Marcelino underlines the importance of winning on Sunday against Girona (7:30pm, La Cerámica) to confirm the good start to the league campaign
Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media ahead of the team’s upcoming fixture against Girona FC, corresponding to Matchday 2 of LALIGA EA Sports. The game will be played this Sunday at 7:30pm at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
The Yellows’ head coach analysed Girona FC and highlighted some of their strengths: “They are a good team, with a good coach and a clear, well-defined identity.” On some of the keys to the game, he added: “We need to win the ball back and move it well, forcing them to defend, which is perhaps more difficult for them than having possession.”
Marcelino also reflected on recent encounters against the Catalan side: “In our last two visits, they beat us once and held us to a draw the other time.” He also emphasised the most recent meeting at La Cerámica: “We had the experience last season where we were 2-0 up and they ended up equalising. That will serve as a lesson that we must perform at our highest level for the full 90 minutes if we want to take all three points.”
The Yellows’ head coach underlined the importance of earning a second consecutive win: “We have to fight with all our weapons and take three points.” He also highlighted the importance of home form: “Solidity at La Cerámica is always decisive when it comes to finishing in the upper part of the table, which is what we are aiming for.”
Regarding the match, Marcelino addressed some factors beyond tactics: “Football has changed since the introduction of five substitutions. The team that makes the best use of this rule will collect many more points.” He also mentioned the kick-off time and conditions: “On this occasion, we have to compete at 19:30, with heat, humidity, and against Girona — and we have to win.”
Finally, the Asturian coach praised the strong competition in midfield: “It’s the position with the highest level of competitiveness in the squad. There will be games for everyone, the season is long and demanding.”
You can watch Marcelino García Toral’s full pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Girona FC below:
