Marcelino: “We’ve got options up front, I’m not worried”

Athletic Club head coach Marcelino García Toral insisted there is enough strength in depth in his squad to deal with the injuries to forwards Oihan Sancet and Asier Villalibre.

Sancet has not played since the match against RC Celta, while Villalibre sustained an injury during Tuesday’s match against Rayo Vallecano.

“We have enough options within the squad,” Marcelino said ahead of Saturday’s LaLiga Santander match against Valencia CF at Mestalla (16:15 CEST).

“We now have a situation where we can play with different types of attacking players. Apart from Iñaki [Williams] and Raúl García, we have [Iker] Muniain, [Alex] Berenguer and Nico Serrano, who can also play behind the main striker.”

Saturday’s fixture sees Marcelino return to Mestalla for the first time since leaving Valencia CF. The coach admitted it will be an “emotional” match for him on a personal level.

He said: “We had two great years there and going back is always special. However, nothing changes in sporting terms. We’re only thinking about winning.”

Athletic’s gaffer warned Valencia at their home turf will be tough, singling out their “good start to the LaLiga season”.

“Yes, They’re coming off the back of two defeats, but those were against Real Madrid and Sevilla, two huge teams, who Valencia played in a short space of time,” Marcelino said.

“They’re playing well and always find a way to score. It will be a tight match.”

The boss also stressed that dwelling on the loss to Rayo Vallecano was not positive for fans, players or himself alike, saying Athletic need to focus fully on the match in front of them.

“What you did in the last match doesn’t guarantee you anything, whether you win or lose,” he added. “The match against Rayo is already history.

“I believe in medium-term trajectories, in momentum, and I think we’re on the right track.  When you lose you always analyse it, but it shouldn’t weigh down on us and it won’t.

“I’m sure we’ll play a great game in Valencia.”