The Submarine’s head coach underlined the importance of beating RC Celta on Sunday (5pm CEST, Balaídos) and going into the international break with nine points

Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to the media ahead of the Submarine’s upcoming clash with RC Celta, corresponding to Matchday 3 of LALIGA EA Sports, which will take place this Sunday at 5pm CEST at the Abanca Balaídos.

The Asturian coach analysed the opposition and highlighted some of their main strengths: “Celta are a quick, dynamic side. We’ll have to be at our very best to take all three points.” He also looked back on last season’s meeting: “Last year we went down to ten men very early, which conditioned the rest of the game.”

When asked about yesterday’s UEFA Champions League draw in Monaco, Marcelino assessed the outcome: “It was to be expected that we’d face very tough opponents, because practically all of them are.” He also expressed his gratitude at being part of Europe’s elite: “Firstly, there’s the satisfaction of being in the draw, and secondly, the excitement of competing head-to-head with rivals of that calibre.”

The Villarreal boss admitted he had a personal wish for the draw: “I especially liked the idea of going to Dortmund, as I’ve never been to that ground, and they came out first.” He also welcomed the new competition format: “I find this format much more attractive than the previous one, and it’s a view shared by other coaches I’ve spoken to.”

Nevertheless, Marcelino was clear about where his priorities lie: “We mustn’t forget that the most important thing is LALIGA—that’s what will allow us to be in the Champions League again next season.”

Finally, when asked about Ayoze’s fitness, the Asturian coach explained: “We’ll see tomorrow in the final training session how he feels. He’s improving gradually, and hopefully tomorrow he’ll be ready to be named in the squad.”