Gustavo Poyet has told Real Betis fans to relax following some disappointing results during pre-season.
The former Brighton and Hove Albion, Sunderland and AEK Athens boss took over from Juan Merino at the Benito Villamarin this summer, signing a two-year contract, but has already had to fend off criticism.
Los Beticos lost 2-0 to Cordoba and drew 0-0 with Recreativo de Huelva in the prestigious Colombino Trophy this week, but Poyet maintains he is not worried and says the time to make judgements is when the serious competition begins.
“Over my career I’ve seen lots of teams who are champions in the summer and then not win for seven or eight games, while others don’t win one and then win the first five,” the Uruguayan told reporters, reports Mundo Deportivo.
“These matches serve to make things clearer and if there is any doubt then we must snap out of it before our first game against Barcelona.
“When a new team is being put together, with a new Coach and so many new faces, you would think it might take two or three months to start working.
“But when everything fits perfectly and the Coach selects perfectly, then sometimes it can only take a month. Other times it might take six. What we have to do is shorten that.
“People get excited very quickly and lose hope very quickly, even though the season has still not started.
“I’m relaxed about things and if I’m calm, the one who is responsible, then it’s better if the fans also relax,” he explained.
