Former Real Betis captain Joaquin is working closely with young striker Assane Diao.

Diao has burst onto the LaLiga scene this season and is with Spain U21s this week for the first time.

Joaquin is a member of the Betis board and also acting as an adviser to the players.

"He's young and we have to give him time, we don't have to put pressure on him," Joaquin said of Diao.

"He is doing things very well, Manuel Pellegrini is counting on him and he is feeling comfortable. That is the way, because with the important projection that he is having, we have to free him in every way."