The coach from Asturias has sent strength to those affected by the flooding in Valencia and points out that the reality of the calendar makes it necessary to think about Alavés (Saturday, 4:15pm CET)

Villarreal CF head coach, Marcelino García Toral, appeared before the media this Friday to analyse the current situation of the Submarine, who host Deportivo Alavés, in the match corresponding to Matchday 13 of the 2024/25 LALIGA EA Sports season, which will be played this Saturday at the Estadio de la Cerámica (4.15pm CEST).

“We are going through a very difficult time. We feel sadness and indignation for everything that has happened. For the dead and the missing, but also for all those who have lost what they have. I want to express my condolences to the families of the deceased, give them encouragement and tell them that life goes on and it is worth living,” was how the coach began the press conference.

“Wearing black is a nice touch. I absolutely agree that the games should have been cancelled in their entirety, but at the same time we must continue. Life inevitably forces you to move forward, even if we are living through misfortunes that are very close to us. Circumstances now force you to think about Alavés. And we want to do it with enthusiasm and effort to get the three points. Villarreal, with this detail and all their contribution, have always shown that they are at the side of the people,” continued Marcelino in relation to the acts of mourning that will accompany the clash against Alavés.

The catastrophe has altered the calendar. Inevitably, the Yellows have embraced the changes with serenity: “Sadly, a misfortune forced us to do something different than planned and I don’t stop to think about it. There are other situations that are more difficult to adapt to. Play, compete, work and try to win. We came from beating Valladolid 15 days ago and now we have to be better than Alavés and go and get three points.”

As for Alavés, the Submarine’s opponents this Saturday, Marcelino was full of praise for their style of play: “Every team has its own virtues and style. They are a combative team and they are going to make things difficult for us. They are very intense and united. Away from home, they have just won in San Sebastian, a victory that will give them confidence. They are dangerous on the counter-attack, they have a good midfield and are quick on the flanks. They will force us to be at our best to win.”

He was also asked about the defence and their ability to keep a clean sheet. “If we score one more goal than our opponents, I’m less worried about not conceding. It’s true that I’d like to win without conceding a goal, but we’ve been defending better in recent games. We are making the opponent’s offensive balance less than before. We are focusing on being as competitive as possible in all phases of the game.”