Marcelino and Renato Veiga expressed their excitement ahead of the Champions League clash at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Wednesday, 9pm CEST)
Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral and defender Renato Veiga spoke to the media on Tuesday to preview their Group Stage match against Juventus FC, which will take place this Wednesday at 9pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Marcelino admitted that managing a Champions League match at La Cerámica is a very special moment for him: “I’ve experienced many extraordinary moments with this club. Now I am living a different and very special one. This is the first Champions League match I am managing at Villarreal in this stadium. I feel privileged. I would not have expected this two years ago when I arrived.”
The coach also highlighted the team’s excitement at the prospect of taking on Juventus on home soil: “We approach the game with the desire to win at home. Juve are the most decorated team in Italy. A great opponent, but we have the ability to face anyone, as we already showed in London. We must continue to believe in that and in ourselves.”
On the opposition, Marcelino praised Juventus’s footballing quality: “They are a top team. They have top-level players. Physically, they are very strong. They are powerful in duels and transitions, and also in the final third. They defend well and have many resources. As I said, they are a top team, but I believe we are also a good team and we are playing at home. I am confident we can compete. In no way, as some say, are they a team in reconstruction.”
Regarding the atmosphere, the Asturian coach expects great support from the fans on what promises to be a beautiful Champions League night: “Tomorrow there will be a great atmosphere. The fans will be with us, and combined with the team’s abilities, it makes us believe in victory.”
Finally, the Villarreal coach is confident that the team can deliver their best performance against the Bianconeri: “We hope to reach our best level. We are in a good moment. If we find our rhythm, the match will come down to efficiency in both areas. We are very excited for this match. These types of games help you grow and reach your true potential.”
Renato Veiga: “We’re ready to fight for the win”
Renato Veiga joined Marcelino in the press room. The Portuguese defender praised Juventus and emphasised that Villarreal are motivated and ready for the challenge: “It’s a special match, like all Champions League games. We are ready to face it and fight for the three points. We play against a great opponent. Juve are Juve, but our focus is on ourselves. We only think about trying to replicate what the coach asks of us. We will try to do things well and hopefully get the victory.”
