Marcelino: “As always, our idea is to attack”
Marcelino: “As always, our idea is to attack”
The Athletic Club manager previews Monday night’s LaLiga match against Cádiz CF (21:00 CET)
Marcelino García Toral declared that Athletic Club will look to play on the front foot when they take on Cádiz CF at the Ramón de Carranza on Monday night (21:00 CET).
The Lions have got on the scoreboard in every single game since Marcelino took over in early January and the boss is keen to maintain this aspect of their game.
“As always, our idea is to attack,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference. “Sometimes it goes well for us, sometimes it doesn’t.
“But we know if we play to our strengths, we’ll go far.
“We’re all proud of how our players want to win and how they give everything to do so.”
At the other end, the boss wants to tighten up ship but stressed that his side must not become “obsessed” with keeping a clean sheet.
“Not conceding is a target, but it’s not an obsession, because if that becomes the case they’ll will surely score against us,” Marcelino added.
“The statistics tell us our opponents get few chances to score, but we can’t get into the habit of thinking it’s just bad lack when they do score.
“We have to be a little stronger so we can avoid conceding goals.”
LaLiga Santander 2020-21 newcomers Cádiz have proven to be stern opposition at their home ground, the Ramón de Carranza, this season and the Athletic manager is under no illusions about how difficult the match will be.
“We know teams struggle there and they’re going to make life difficult for us,” he said.
“They play with a direct style, look to win a lot of second balls and put in crosses from the flanks.
“They’re dangerous on the counter-attack and don’t consider possession an important part of their game.
“We must be vigilant, avoid risky passes and try to finish our chances.”
Athletic are currently in a mid-table position in LaLiga Santander and have drawn their last three league fixtures.
Marcelino said: “LaLiga is a priority. We have to win because we’ve only won once away from home and we need to improve those numbers.
“We’re not obsessed but we know we need to win, we need to get points.
“Winning is the only thing on our mind. It doesn’t matter who we are up against, we have that hunger and ambition to win.”