Marcelino: “We’re determined to be in the semi-finals”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral is certain his players will give everything they have to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals.

On Thursday, the Rojiblancos travel to Seville where they will face Real Betis at 21:00 CET.

“We’re determined to be in the semi-finals,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference. “And we’ll fight with everything we have to make it happen.”

“On April 3, we’re going to play in a final that was achieved in last season’s Copa and now we have to concentrate on what’s in front of us and that’s this match.

“We’ll take it on with enthusiasm and the belief we can win.”

Marcelino praised his squad’s attitude and said the players are ready and raring to go, despite any potential fatigue caused by Athletic’s busy recent schedule.

“I have an extraordinary squad,” he added. “They’re ambitious and they spare no effort.

“I always try to see the positive side. There’s nothing more beautiful than competing, winning and having the chance to lift trophies.”

“We’ll put out the most competitive team possible. We’re three matches away from possibly playing for a trophy.

“We have to place all our focus on this match to try to make sure we’re in the semi-finals.”

The Athletic Club boss insisted the quarter-final will be nothing like the Lions’ 4-0 LaLiga Santander victory over Betis in November, with both sides having changed substantially since that last meeting.

“Betis are in good form, but so are we,” Marcelino said. “With respect to the LaLiga match, both teams are different now. 

“There are some significant caveats. The most important? That was a LaLiga match, where as this is more like a final.

“The team that wins goes on to the semi-finals and the other goes home.

“The side which is most effective in both boxes will win the match.”