Marcelino: “We’re constantly taking steps forward”

Marcelino García Toral said he is happy with the way the Lions have improved on the pitch since his arrival. At the same time, the boss reiterated that they must not let their guard down and be always seeking to get better results.

Athletic have picked up 16 points from their first nine games of the season and are looking to win a third consecutive match when they take on RCDE Espanyol on Tuesday night (kick-off, 21:00 CEST).

“We are constantly taking steps forward,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference. “We’re a very difficult team to beat and we do things very well. The players feel confident and the fans are with them. I don’t see this progression stopping.”

He continued: “What we’ve done so far won’t influence tomorrow’s game. Espanyol are also on a positive run, matches there are very complicated for everyone, so we’ll need to be at our best to get points.”

With Athletic set to play a second of three fixtures in eight days, in addition to Asier Villalibre’s injured, Marcelino confirmed their would be rotations in the starting XI.

“After the exertion of Saturday’s match against a good team, we’ll have to make changes,” Marcelino said.

Marcelino insisted that Athletic’s current form deserves praise giving the Club’s unique philosophy, saying: “What we’re doing at the moment, fighting at the top of the table, and against any opponent, is of great merit.

“The fact we play with homegrown footballers in this globalised world, with its added difficulty, is something that should be taken into account. Every other team works out their issues by going to the global transfer market. Athletic is the only club that doesn’t do that.

“With the philosophy we have, which we all believe and are extremely proud of, we have to applaud the results we’re getting. On Saturday, we beat a Champions League team in a clear and convincing way.”