Paquito Ortiz will be sitting on the manager’s bench temporarily, until a replacement for the departed Pako Ayestarán has been formally announced. He stated "I understand perfectly the role I have in the team right now, and it is a responsibility I am taking on with commitment, excitement and strength. The dressing room is calm, and I am sure tomorrow the team will put in a fine performance and the fans will be right behind us". Regarding tomorrow’s clash against Betis, he sounded optimistic. "We will try to work to our strengths to win this match, above all I am looking for the team to respond. It is a tough match for both teams, due to the situation we are both going through", although he recognised that Real Betis "are coming into this match in a more tricky situation than a few months ago, the difference being that we scraped through our Cup tie. The team that adapts the best will come out on top". "I am grateful for the kindness fans have shown me since my return, especially over the last few days. I would really like them to pull together and really get behind the team when we need it. The team will try to get the fans going too. We should enjoy the present right now and see what happens on Monday", he stated. Paquito understands the fans’ recognition of the work Quique Setién put in during his tenure at UD Las Palmas. "His footballing philosophy meant that people talked well about UD Las Palmas beyond the island. Setién really got the team playing, and worked wonders in the dressing room. It will be a special game for a number of players who played under him".
