Marcelino: “We’re solid, difficult to beat and have our strengths in attack”

Athletic Club head coach Marcelino García Toral reiterated that the Lions are one of the better sides in LaLiga Santander, pointing to their defensive record and stressing that they also have strengths in attack.

Los Rojiblancos are without a win in their last six, with four draws and two defeats, however both losses were by a one-goal margin, and Athletic were unfortunate not to get more out of their defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last Wednesday.

“This team is solid, difficult to beat and has its strengths in attack,” Marcelino said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Monday night’s match against Getafe CF.

“The dressing room is fine because when you are aware of a job well done you have a clear conscience. For sure we were down after the game at the Bernabéu because we were convinced we deserved a lot more after playing an extraordinary game against the in-form team in the league.

“But we can’t be too disheartened. Generally speaking, the team is doing well, others don’t tend to create many chances against us. So, from that point of view, we’re not overly worried. We’re working on scoring more goals, and also doing what we can to make our high defensive level a little bit higher.”

Despite creating plenty of chances and having lots of shots, Athletic have only scored three goals in their last five matches, a trend which Marcelino is certain will change sooner rather than later.

He said: “The numbers don’t lie and, when they’re like ours, you just have to keep working as we’re doing. I’m convinced that trends change, so I’m not stressing out about it too much.

“We absolutely believe in our attacking players and we give them all our support. It’s not very normal to have a run like this with what the team has shown in these first 15 games.

“The most important thing is to be bold and decisive. The coaching staff are trying to create a happy atmosphere. In many areas we’re among the best and in those where we’re not, we have to work even harder.”

On Monday night, Athletic travel back to Madrid where they will face Getafe CF. Despite lying in 19th place, the Azulones are on a good run having picked up two wins and two draws in their last five LaLiga matches.

“It’s going to be a difficult and competitive match against a team in good form,” Marcelino said. “I expect it to be tight and very tactical. Whoever is more accurate will win, and let’s hope it’s us because this team thoroughly deserves it. Getafe have changed a lot since the arrival of Quique [Sánchez Flores]. He’s a proven coach who makes his teams competitive.”