Marcelino: “This team engages people”

Marcelino García Toral was full of praise for his players after Athletic Club’s 2-0 win over RCD Mallorca at San Mamés, stating that the current Lions’ attitude makes them an easy team to love.

Athletic beat the Balaeric islanders thanks to second half goals by centre-back Dani Vivian, his first senior strike, and Iñaki Williams, who was making his 300th appearance as a Lion.

“It was a well-deserved victory,” Marcelino said at his post-match press conference. “I’m very happy. In LaLiga, every opponent is difficult. We let them do practically nothing offensively and we created clear chances. The great quality of this team is that they kept pushing. We knew that if we took the lead, it would be a little less difficult.”

Athletic end the night top of LaLiga without having lost in four games, but Marcelino said he won’t be getting carried away just yet, despite a great start to the season.

“We’ve taken eight points from 12,” Marcelino said. “We have to stay humble and respect our next opponents. We’re excited. Let’s hope that we are capable of many more victories. We have progressed in many aspects of the game compared to last season. This team, playing like this, engages people.”

The head coach praised the defensive work done by his team, saying: “A team that is capable of conceding less goals doesn’t need many goals to win games.

“Last year we conceded very little, but occasional mistakes condemned us. Our opponents have to create chances through their ability, but they don’t do it because of mistakes on our part. That’s very positive.”