Marcelino: “We must keep working hard to win”

Marcelino emphasised the importance of professionalism and “maturity” ahead of Athletic Club’s Sunday night LaLiga Santander clash with Granada CF at San Mamés (21:00 CET).

The Lions are coming into the fixture off the back of a historic week in which they defeated Levante UD to reach a second consecutive Copa del Rey final.

“We’re going to make sure we’re in the right frame of mind to compete,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference about his side’s attitude before the match.

“We’re in a state of bliss, but we must also know how to differentiate between one competition and another.

“We must keep working hard to win. That’s what it’s all about every time we go out onto the pitch to compete.

“Granada are three points in front of us. If we win, we’ll move up the table. That’s our goal.”

Sunday’s opponents Granada are in good form at the moment, having knocked Napoli out of the Europa League and recently defeating Elche in LaLiga Santander.

“It’s going to be a tough match,” Marcelino added. “Granada play direct football, make life difficult, have a good counter-attack and play attacking football which causes all sorts of danger.

“From a physical point of view we took a major beating against Levante, added to the mental fatigue that comes with preparing for and competing in that sort of Copa match.

“But we have to approach the clash against Granada with the sole aim of winning.”

Marcelino spoke further about the physical and psychological implications of the Lions’ recent busy schedule, stating: “We always try to apply logic,

“But at the same time we have to remain ambitious – in a healthy way. We must want to get better and win every game.

“We’re doing well at the moment, but we must keep our feet on the ground and remember what got us to this point.

“You can live in bliss for a while, but what you must never lose is humility, respect. You have to keep practicing and remember what brought the success.

“We all have to be mature, conscientious and consistent in our work and in terms of the demands we place upon ourselves.”