Real Betis manager Manuel Pelligrini says the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must be respected by European clubs.

The decision to release players for the tournament during the winter, which is a crucial time of the season, has become an issue of huge debate between clubs and countries.

Pelligrini, who worked with 2015 AFCON winner Yaya Toure, will lose Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal and Morocco duo Chadi Riad and EZ Abde to the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.

The seasoned manager, however, says he is proud of them for representing their countries, so he is not concerned about their absence.

However, the veteran manager is not worried by their absence, as he explains his pride in representing their nations.

“ I don't have all the information on this subject (whether it should happen in the winter or not). I think I've always said it: I'm completely a supporter of the national teams. Nations like to see their selection play.

"The national teams or local football teams of each country must have their own space (competition time)," he said, as quoted by Wiw Sport.

“In Africa, we have the CAN in January. Every club that recruits African footballers therefore knows that it cannot count on them during this CAN period," he added.

The dates of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are January 13, 2023, and February 11, 2024.

Pelligrini opens up on Real Madrid spell

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini had disclosed why his tenure at Real Madrid was never going to be successful.

The Chilean manager managed the Los Blancos for one season, where he went trophyless despite having a star-studded squad.The 70-year-old finished second in the 2009/2010 campaign in La Liga despite getting 96 points.

They lost the title to Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, who beat them twice that season.

Cisse includes Sabaly in AFCON squad

It was earlier reported that Aliou Cisse supported his choice to select three injured players and Youssouf Sabaly in his team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast the following month.

The stars of Saudi Arabia, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, are among the 27 players in the former Teranga Lions captain's team for the tournament, which was revealed on Friday.

The reigning winners are hoping to hold onto the championship they earned in Cameroon last year as they head to Ivory Coast.