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Marcelino: “We have to be much stronger”

Marcelino: “We have to be much stronger”

Marcelino is disappointed Athletic conceded a late equaliser despite playing well and being in control of the fixture

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral was blunt in his analysis of the Lions’ 2-2 draw with CA Osasuna, blasting his side’s inability to hold on to the lead.

The Rojiblancos played well and went ahead twice at San Mamés on Saturday, but only picked up a point after conceding a goal in the 88th minute.

“We have to be much stronger. We can’t concede goals like that in the last few minutes when the game is in our hands,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference.

“We have to be more reliable, this isn’t the first time this has happened to us.”

Marcelino insisted Athletic have to get better at seeing out games. He said: “If you don’t defend the area, you don’t win matches. Osasuna’s second goal came from a series of bad decisions.

“The good play, pace and great effort shown by the team received a huge smear in the 89th minute due to our mistakes.

“I’m annoyed for the players, because they do a lot of things well, but we were punished because we didn’t know how to play with calm.”