The Asturian head coach has highlighted the great play against Celta and the objective, now very close, of repeating participation in the Champions League
Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral has appeared before the media to analyse his team’s victory against RC Celta (2-1) at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Asturian head coach was very satisfied with the level shown by his players to secure a win that consolidates the Yellow Submarine in the privileged positions and brings the club closer to an unprecedented milestone: the option of repeating qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive year.
The Yellows head coach highlighted the team’s great role from the opening whistle. He explained: “We played a very good match. Scoring a penalty so early gives you security.” Despite the visitors’ goal, the head coach felt that the clash was always under control: “I got the feeling that we had a lot of dominance at 2-1 against a good team away from home.” Regarding the away team’s goal, he admitted that it came from an “avoidable penalty,” but clarified that he did not fear for the result in the final stretch: “I didn’t get the feeling that Celta could equalise. With the substitutions we gave the team freshness and we were closer to a third than to 2-2. I didn’t see dominance or missed goals by the opponent to talk about a near draw.”
Regarding the league table situation, the head coach did not hide his immense pride in the squad’s records. He stated firmly: “This Villarreal season seems extraordinary to me.” The win against the Galician side is a giant step towards the main objective: “It is a victory that almost seals a second participation in the Champions League. It is a historic season and we have to thank all the players.” In addition, he valued the enormous merit of competing face-to-face with the giants of the league: “With five matches left we are five points ahead of Atlético de Madrid and 15 ahead of Betis. It seems like an unbeatable points tally to me.”
Finally, the head coach wanted to dedicate some words of praise on an individual level, highlighting the notable performances of Arnau Tenas and the debutant starter Alex Freeman. Regarding the goalkeeper, who had a great match, he pointed out: “He saved a one-on-one, he was very good with his feet and secure in the aerial game. We all liked him. He has known how to hold on, train, and we believe he deserved the opportunity; furthermore, inside the dressing room he is a player who always adds value.” Regarding Freeman, he praised his maturity and quick adaptation since his arrival in the winter transfer window: “He was one of the best in the match, he has great merit. He is a sensible, hard-working, prudent boy with very good footballing conditions.”
Below, you can watch the full press conference by Marcelino García Toral, after the match against RC Celta:
