The Villarreal manager analyses this Sunday’s league clash against Real Sociedad (2pm CET)
Villarreal CF manager Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media on Friday to preview the upcoming LaLiga EA Sports Matchday 14 fixture against Real Sociedad, which will be played this Sunday at 2pm CET at Anoeta.
The Asturian coach stressed that the team is fully focused ahead of a demanding match: “We are aware that we’re facing a team in good form, after a tricky start and with players performing at a very high level. If we are at our best, we can extend this positive run in the league.”
Marcelino also highlighted the Yellow Submarine’s strong performance in domestic competition: “We’re three points off the top, which shows we’re doing things very well. Our mindset is to improve every day so we can compete.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash, he underlined the balance between both sides: “They’ve taken 11 points from their last 15; we’ve taken 13 from 15 and won four in a row. They have a good team, they’ve recovered confidence and have several players in great form. But so do we, and this team is ready to compete with anyone.”
The Villarreal boss also analysed Real Sociedad’s style of play and what his team must do to earn the win: “They press high and play at a strong tempo. Sometimes they go after the build-up, other times they drop quickly and pack the box. They are dangerous on the counter. Without the ball, we need to defend with organisation and be extremely alert in transitions because they are quick and precise. With the ball, we must be brave and look to exploit their weaknesses — because they have them.”
