Marcelino: “Small details will decide the final”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral reiterated his belief that Saturday’s final will be settled by “small details”.

The Lions take on Real Sociedad on Saturday night at La Cartuja in Seville. It is the first time the two sides have met in the tournament final and the boss is expecting a close game.

“The key will be to control the details,” Marcelino said at his press conference in La Cartuja, setting for Saturday’s showdown.

“Real are a team that play good football and have had a very clear identity since Imanol [Alguacil] took charge.

“But I think the final will be decided by taking advantage of chances at goal, making good decisions and making as few mistakes as possible.

“If those three things happen for us, we’ll be much closer to winning.”

The head coach acknowledged the positive feeling among the group after training in the same place where they won the Super Cup title in January.

“The first thing you think about is the enormous moment of happiness we experienced here three months ago,” Marcelino said.

“But then you realise we have to focus on the game.

“We have to put our plan into action and do everything we can to have the confidence and the courage to win the final.”

Marcelino stressed it won’t be very difficult to inspire his players before the match.

“We respect all our opponents equally,” the manager added. “But we’re also hoping to play a great game and become champions.

“I am convinced we are ready and we’ll surely be able to deal with any situation that arises during the match.

“What am I going to tell the players? I’ll tell them to enjoy it, because we’re privileged to be here. 

“Their dream since they wore the Athletic shirt as kids was to play in the first team and to be able to play in a final. And now they are in that situation.”