Marcelino: “Beating the leaders would be a big confidence boost”

A victory over LaLiga Santander leaders Atlético Madrid at San Mamés on Sunday night (21:00 CEST) will do wonders for the Lions’ morale according to head-coach Marcelino García Toral.

Athletic Club are in the midst of a drawing streak, having picked up just one point in each of their last five LaLiga matches.

“Beating the leaders would be a big confidence boost,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference. “I’m sure we’ll be competitive.

“It’s a nice challenge, as they’re known for not conceding goals.

“They’re a difficult side to beat, but we have to be consistent with our game and with our intensity.”

The visitors are coming into the clash after three matches without losing, including keeping clean sheets in the last two.

“The key is to be effective in both areas. When we have chances to score, we must be clinical,” Marcelino said about how to overcome the Madrid-based outfit.

“In the reverse fixture we played really well. It was one of our best games since I’ve been here.

“The win slipped away from us because of small details and it’s those details that we can’t let us down.”

Marcelino stressed Athletic are edging closer to getting the win they need and hopes it will help the side become more consistent in terms of positive results.

He said: “We’ve drawn a lot recently. We’ve been close to winning, but for many months it’s been difficult for us to stay consistent.

“That’s achieved with the right mentality, a plan to improve and by being ambitious.

“All of us have to believe in the way we play. But all of that takes time.”

The LaLiga Santander fixture in Bilbao kicks off on Sunday (April 25) at 21:00 CEST. Use our global TV guide to find out when and where you can watch the match in different parts of the world.