The dust is yet to settle following Real Betis’ crushing 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the UEFA Europa Conference League final, but head coach Manuel Pellegrini has already made headlines with a scathing post-match assessment—one that may have ended a player’s career at the club.
Veteran goalkeeper Adrián San Miguel, once a fan favorite and symbol of Betis’ experience between the sticks, endured a nightmare performance in Athens on Wednesday night. Conceding four goals and receiving a match-low rating of 4.3, Adrián’s display drew fierce criticism from fans and pundits alike. But it was Pellegrini’s post-match remarks that have sent shockwaves through the Betis faithful.
“His Real Betis career is over,” Pellegrini told reporters bluntly when asked about the 37-year-old’s future. “You cannot make those kinds of mistakes at this level. We needed leadership and calm—what we got was chaos.”
The Chilean manager, known for his composed demeanor, was visibly fuming after the final whistle. While Chelsea were undeniably dominant, Pellegrini made it clear he believes individual errors cost Betis the chance to secure their first major European trophy.
Fan Reaction Divided
Unsurprisingly, the coach’s brutal verdict has sparked widespread debate across social media. Some supporters backed Pellegrini’s tough stance, pointing to Adrián’s questionable positioning and hesitation throughout the match.
“He’s been great for the club, but that was a horror show. We can’t afford to be sentimental,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others, however, criticized the public nature of Pellegrini’s comments, arguing that the veteran deserved more respect, particularly after returning to the club where he began his career.
“That’s no way to treat a club legend,” another fan wrote. “Adrián didn’t deserve to be thrown under the bus like that—even if he had a bad night.”
A Career Ending in Disappointment?
Adrián, who returned to Real Betis in 2023 after stints at West Ham United and Liverpool, had been seen as a reliable backup and a valuable locker-room presence. His inclusion in the starting XI for the final surprised some, especially with younger alternatives available.
Whether this marks the definitive end of Adrián’s tenure remains to be seen. As of Thursday morning, the club had issued no official statement regarding his future. However, given Pellegrini’s strong words, a summer departure now appears inevitable.
With emotions running high after a painful night in Athens, Real Betis must regroup—and fast. While the club’s first European final in decades ended in disappointment, the fallout from Pellegrini’s remarks may shape the next chapter more than the scoreline itself.
