“Athletic’s loss gives us a chance to close the gap on fourth”
02/03/2025Marcelino has underlined the importance at getting three points to move closer to fourth place
Villarreal CF head coach, Marcelino García Toral, appeared before the media in the press room of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground to talk about the match that awaits his team against RCD Espanyol, corresponding to Matchday 26 of the league season, which will be played tomorrow at 9pm CET at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
These are the most important statements made by the coach:
Injury update
“This is the time of the season when we have the fewest injuries. This is a guarantee and what the players themselves want. Kiko has trained normally with the group all week and so, apart from Gerard and Ilias, we have the rest of the players available and that’s great news.”
Three important points at stake
!The match must have the same importance regardless of the results of the other teams. When you occupy a position in the table, the mentality must always be to attack the position above you and that always depends more on what you do than what the opposition do. The defeat of Athletic, who hadn’t lost in 16 games, gives us a great opportunity. The need and enthusiasm should push us to the maximum because the match will not be easy.”
RCD Espanyol, an improving team
‘They are a team that has improved defensively, especially in the last ten games, where they have shown themselves to be more reliable. They have progressed in all aspects of the game, allowing them to be more competitive. They are a team that runs, works, tries hard and will demand the maximum from us.”
The support of the fans, fundamental at home
“These are three very important points. We must all be aware: fans and professionals. Winning would bring us closer to fourth and further away from fifth, although we must always look up rather than down. We ask the fans to come to this cosy and protected stadium because we need them for this important match and because the professionals deserve it. Everything is more favourable with the help of your home crowd.”
