Marcelino predicts an intense match against Real Sociedad because ‘they dominate many parameters of the game’
Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral has assured that he expects a very demanding game this Saturday against Real Sociedad at the Estadio de la Cerámica (6:30pm CET). These is what the Asturian coach had to say:
Overcoming difficulties
“We’re training really well, although it’s true that we’ve had some very unlucky injuries like that of Yeremy Pino. In the end, these are things that happen, so we have to adapt to the possible problems that arise and find solutions.”
A very demanding week
“We already knew the schedule and we knew that we have three difficult games in this stretch of the league. Now, thinking immediately, we are playing against a great team like Real Sociedad. In fact, I think they are one of the best teams in the first division, because they dominate many parameters of the game. They are a very intense team without the ball, with good pace and precision on the ball, powerful physically and in transitions, and they also use counter-attacks a lot. We have to face this great team with the optimism of how the team is playing, as we are being competitive as, for example, we showed in the match against Sevilla.”
The keys to the match
“We have to play a great game and be decisive in the penalty areas. In fact, little by little we are giving our opponents fewer chances to score and in attack we are also showing fluency in our initiation. That’s the way forward. The opposing team is going to make it difficult for us and will demand a lot of effort and good decision making, but we are capable of it. We have to turn the Estadio de La Cerámica into a very difficult pitch for our opponents.”
The versatility of Álex Baena
“He is a very talented player and very important for us. His position on the pitch is almost the same, whether he plays on the right or on the left, especially in attack. Defensively, it’s true that he varies, as he can play as a second striker or on the wing.”
Turning the Estadio de la Cerámica into a fortress
“We hope to see a good attendance for this match, favoured by the current dynamic of the team. All teams win more points at home than away, which hasn’t been the case so far, but at the end of the season it has to be like that. We need the support of the fans and they are going to be indispensable for us to get points at home together. We have to make the Estadio de La Cerámica a very difficult pitch for our opponents.”
