Marcelino: “We can’t let up even for a minute in Valencia”
Marcelino: “We can’t let up even for a minute in Valencia”
A game of two halves for Marcelino
Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral has challenged the Lions to play out of their skin in Valencia in order to reach the Copa Del Rey 2020-21 final.
The Rojiblancos drew 1-1 with Levante UD at San Mamés in the first leg of their semi-final clash. Centre-back Iñigo Martinez gave Athletic a lifeline after his thunderous header cancelled out Gonzalo Melero’s goal for Levante.
“Even though we didn’t get the upper-hand we wanted, we’re still in the fight,” Marcelino said in his post-match press conference. “Our second half performance showed what we need to do. We can’t let up even for a minute in Valencia.”
Marcelino admitted Athletic were lacking spark in the first half, but was impressed with how the Lions went up a few gears after the break.
He added: “We were sluggish in the first half. We were slow in the press and we lacked intensity in possession.
“In the second half we were the Athletic we want to be, we competed at a good level.
“If we can get close to that level in Valencia, we have a chance of being in the final.”
Athletic will face Levante at the Ciutat de Valencia for the second leg of their semi-final on March 4.