Álvaro Valles vows to build on breakthrough season as Betis prepare Champions return
Álvaro Valles previews his Betis season from Germany, reflecting on 33 appearances, preseason work and Champions League ambitions while praising squad depth.
Álvaro Valles arrives in the Betis summer camp in Germany optimistic after a season in which he featured 33 times for the club. The goalkeeper says he began last year needing to manage expectations after a long layoff, and that measured progress allowed him to finish strongly. Speaking to club media from the training base, Valles emphasized focus, preparation and the drive to improve ahead of a campaign that includes LaLiga and the Champions League.
Valles on recovery and progression after a year sidelined
Álvaro Valles said his first season as a regular at Real Betis was a lesson in patience and gradual recovery. He acknowledged that following a year out he could not expect immediate peak performance and that the key was to avoid self-pressure while trusting a process of incremental improvement.
The goalkeeper described the campaign as one that went from “less to more”, with form and confidence consolidating over time. That trajectory, he insisted, gives him a base to push for better standards this season and to take “one step further” in his development as both player and professional.
Preseason work at the German training base
Betis’ first summer concentration in Germany provided Valles and his teammates with high-intensity training and quality facilities tailored to prepare for a demanding season. He highlighted the benefits of a structured “pre-preseason” routine that many players undertake before joining the main group, which helped reduce the initial physical shock.
Valles noted that training alone differs markedly from practising alongside team-mates and that the collective sessions accelerate match readiness. The emphasis in Germany, he said, has been on load management and progressive conditioning to arrive at the start of LaLiga fit and sharp.
Goalkeeper coaching and daily routines with Toni Doblas
Working with goalkeeper coach Toni Doblas has become a central pillar of Valles’ preparation, according to the player. He praised Doblas for his attentive approach to individual loads and for tailoring sessions to each goalkeeper’s needs, which Valles described as “easy to work with” and professionally supportive.
Those daily routines combine technical drills, shot-stopping practice and recovery protocols designed to limit lingering discomfort while building resilience. Valles said the coaching environment allows him to analyse performances critically and to identify precise areas for improvement between matches.
Match rhythm and the friendly against Lotte
Valles underlined that the upcoming friendly against Lotte is a valuable opportunity to regain competitive rhythm, regardless of the opponent’s level. For him, preseason matches are principally about acquiring sensations, testing tactical ideas and refining decision-making under pressure.
He insisted that each exhibition game offers a chance to correct small errors before official competitions begin, and to validate fitness progress. The goalkeeper expects to treat these fixtures as calibrated steps toward match sharpness rather than final assessments of form.
Champions League return lifts Betis ambitions and recruitment appeal
Real Betis’ return to the Champions League has altered the club’s profile in transfer discussions, Valles said, expanding the pool of players attracted by the prospect of European football. He described the Champions platform as an important incentive for potential signings and a source of pride for a squad eager to compete on the continent.
Valles framed this season as “very special”, noting that the club and supporters carry tangible excitement about European nights. He also made clear that on-field results will ultimately determine how memorable the campaign becomes, and that the squad intends to match ambition with consistent performances.
Young talent and internal competition: Manu González highlighted
Valles singled out 19-year-old Manu González as an example of the club’s promising youth production and credited him with professional attitude and steady development. He stressed that having reliable academy graduates pushing for minutes strengthens the entire goalkeeping group and adds depth to the roster.
The veteran keeper expressed genuine support for young colleagues, saying he wants them to succeed because competition elevates standards. That perspective underlines a broader squad dynamic in which established players and prospects must coexist to deliver results across three competitions.
Mental resilience and the Elche qualification memory
Reflecting on the crucial qualifying moments that led Betis into European competition, Valles spoke about the mental challenges he faced and the personal support that helped him through difficult periods. He mentioned leaning on his family during times of introspection and how overcoming those struggles contributed to his growth.
The emotional lift of achieving the club’s goals, he said, reinforced a sense of responsibility and motivation to continue improving. Valles views those experiences as fuel for a season in which focus and composure will be tested repeatedly.
Support from the stands and the dream of home Champions nights
Valles paid tribute to Betis’ fan base, describing it as a constant presence that has backed the team both at neutral venues and at La Cartuja. He acknowledged the supporters’ desire to hear the Champions League anthem in the Benito Villamarín and recognised the club’s shared ambition to stage continental matches at home in the near future.
That fan relationship, he argued, is a competitive advantage and a factor in both recruitment and performance. The goalkeeper welcomed the atmosphere the supporters create and said the squad feels accountable to deliver nights worthy of the club’s tradition.
Real Betis begin the new season focused on converting preseason preparation into competitive consistency and on blending experience with youth to meet the demands of domestic and European schedules. Valles’ message from the German training camp combined realistic self-assessment with clear ambition, reflecting a player determined to capitalise on momentum and to raise his standard after a formative breakthrough year.
