Marcelino: “We deserved more than a point”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral was full of praise after the Lions’ performance against FC Barcelona on what was an emotional night at San Mamés.

The Rojiblancos had the upper hand for most of the match but could not find the winner they deserved as the clash finished 1-1.

Fans returned to The Cathedral for the first time since March 1 2020, and their presence was an obvious boost for the players.

“I’m so proud of this team’s performances, of they way they played, how they fought to get into the box, their intensity of their pressing… everything,” Marcelino said in his post-match press conference.

“We deserved more than a point. When you do so many things well, it’s normal to think victory would be a fair result. We’re proud of the great match the team played. I think that in many moments we were better than Barça.”

Marcelino expressed his delight at his first experience of San Mamés with fans arriving at the club, he said: “I experienced a long-awaited moment, being Athletic’s coach, being in that dugout, with people in the stands.

“We thank the fans and at the same time ask them to keep helping us. This team is generous, they work hard and play hard. We have to be demanding but we have to be proud. With the help of the fans we will be a better team.”