Marcelino: “This result will not affect us”
Marcelino: “This result will not affect us”
The Athletic boss guarantees the Lions will put this result behind them ahead of the Copa del Rey final
Despite being unhappy with Athletic’s performance in their 1-1 draw against SD Eibar on Saturday, head-coach Marcelino García Toral has assured the result will not impact the Lions as they turn their focus towards the Copa del Rey final with Real Sociedad.
Athletic took the lead in the ninth minute thanks to a spectacular volley by Yuri Berchiche, but a defensive mistake allowed Eibar to equalise seven minutes later.
“I feel sad. I didn’t like what I saw on the pitch,” Marcelino said during his post-match press conference. “The final will be different. There’s no chances this result will affect us mentally.
“We’re still a solid team that opponents struggle to create chances against.
“I have no doubt that mentally and in terms of football, will be in the best possible place when the final comes around.”
Marcelino made changes at half-time and the team stepped up a gear in the second half, but the manager admitted Athletic were not precise enough in the attacking third.
He said: “I see football as a team sport. When I make changes, I’m not singling anyone out.
“You have to change the team to find solutions. In the second half, we were better and more consistent.
“We lacked that final pass to create a clear chance at goal.”