Betis looking for triple boost against Chelsea

Real Betis coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer, seen here 18 October 2005, believes a win against Chelsea in their Champions League group G match on Tuesday could revive his ailing team

Real Betis coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer believes a win against Chelsea in their Champions League group G match on Tuesday could revive his ailing team.

Betis have not won since their 4-0 hammering by the reigning English champions and runaway Premiership leaders at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago and have now conceded 14 goals and only scored two in their last four outings.

On the domestic stage they have slipped to 17th, just one place above the relegation zone.

"Beating Chelsea could have a triple effect," said Serra Ferrer at the traditional pre-match press conference on Monday.

"Firstly, we will recover our self-esteem. Victory will also leave our future progress in the most difficult group the competition back in our own hands.

"Finally, a win would dispel doubts about this team. For all these reasons I think we are going to have a magnificent game," added the under-fire Betis coach, doing his best to sound optimistic in the face of continued criticism.

"Chelsea are a great team and have talent all over the field but sometimes in football you don't win because you have the best team, sometimes you win because you want it more.

"The key to beating Chelsea will be to put the brakes on allowing situations which leads to goals. This is not the style of play I want to see," commented Serra Ferrer.

Betis's first win in five games would also get the club's vocal supporters off his back.

"It's normal that they are unhappy because they are accustomed to being high in the league.

"But I ask them to enjoy the moment. After all this is the first time Betis have played in the Champions League in 98 years of history and there are other teams that have been around for more than 100 years that have never been in this competition," pleaded Serra Ferrer.

At least Serra Ferrer can take heart from the fact that both winger Joaquin Sanchez and defender Melli Andreu should face Chelsea fully rested, after both men missed the 2-0 loss to Real Madrid on Saturday because of suspensions.

However Betis medical staff's Monday report provided mixed news for Serra Ferrer.

Juanito Gutierrez is fit again after a brief bout of flu but defender Alejandro Lembo has been ruled out after injuring his lower back against Madrid.

Deadly free kick specialist Assuncao has also not recovered from the thigh strain he suffered last week while Miguel Angel Lozano, Luis Fernandez and Oscar Lopez remain on the sidelines with longer term injuries.