Rubén Cousillas Declares Lifelong Allegiance to Real Betis at Veterans Gathering
Real Betis assistant coach Rubén Cousillas received a formal tribute from the Agrupación de Béticos Veteranos Alfonso Jaramillo on Thursday, marking his seven-year tenure alongside manager Manuel Pellegrini at the Heliópolis club. “I arrived here as a professional and the day I leave, I am going to leave as just another Bético,” Cousillas stated to the assembled attendees, prompting an ovation.
Quarter-Century Partnership Behind the Bench
Cousillas has worked alongside Manuel Pellegrini for more than 25 years across multiple sporting projects, operating as the manager’s closest collaborator. Diariodesevilla.es noted that Pellegrini and his assistant were both honored by the veteran supporters’ group during the Thursday event. Reflecting on their shared history since Pellegrini took charge at Real Betis in the summer of 2020, Cousillas attributed the sporting success of their tenure entirely to the Chilean manager. “I have worked with Manuel for 25 years and I am simply a collaborator,” Cousillas said, as reported by abc.es. “The success and the culprit, in quotes, of everything that has happened in football since I have been with him is Manuel’s responsibility.”
Supporters’ Affection Drives Emotional Response
Both members of the coaching staff expressed surprise and gratitude for the reception from the veteran Bético group. Speaking to the crowd, Cousillas contrasted his time at previous clubs with his current experience in Andalusia. “They have treated me very well in all the places I was, but nowhere did I receive the affection and love of all the Béticos, in the street, in the stores, on the pitch,” Cousillas said. Manuel Pellegrini also addressed the club’s official media channels to express his appreciation for the recognition, highlighting the dedication of supporters who follow the team through every match.
Veterans Group Recognizes Decades of Passion
The Agrupación de Béticos Veteranos Alfonso Jaramillo organized the Thursday gathering to honor the coaching staff, bringing together long-standing members of the club community. Diario de Sevilla reported that Pellegrini emphasized the emotional weight of sharing time with individuals who have supported Real Betis for decades through varying results. “In these seven years we have felt them within the playing field, we have felt them in every place we go to play with Betis within Spain,” Pellegrini told club media.
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