Marcelino: “We must concentrate on the positives”

Marcelino chose to emphasise the positives after Athletic’s 0-0 draw with Alavés at San Mamés on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions dominated throughout and had plenty of chances to win the LaLiga Santander fixture, but encountered an inspired Fernando Pacheco between the sticks for Alavés.

“We can take some positives from the match,” Marcelino said during his post-game press conference. “Normally, we would have gone ahead due to the way we played and the chances we had.

“Accuracy in both areas is affecting us a lot. I’m pleased there were no individual errors and that we didn’t concede.

“But we were erratic in certain moments and I don’t like that inconsistency. We have to address the situation and get over it.”

Marcelino made several changes to the starting XI after the LaLiga match against Real Sociedad. The manager insisted it was necessary in order to give some players a rest.

“We decided it was best this way because the same people had started in the last two matches,” Marcelino added.

“We have the ambition and the enthusiasm. But with playing in several competitions back-to-back, it’s been difficult for us to get three points in the league.

“I think that’s what’s happened to us.”

Athletic now have a week before they face FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey 2020-21 final on April 17. Marcelino said he was “optimistic” about the Lions’ chances of winning.

“I know my team is going to compete well,” he said.

“What’s more, we have recent experience and we know the mistakes we can’t repeat.

“We’ll plan for the final with the sole goal of winning it.

“The fact we’re not making many mistakes, the few chances we let our opponents have, plus the chances we created today, make me optimistic.”