Marcelino: “We’re going to compete and play well”

Marcelino García Toral insisted Athletic would keep the same mindset as always, heading into Sunday’s clash against Real Betis (16:15 CET) with the goal of playing well and getting all three points.

The Lions have lacked luck in their most recent outings, being especially unfortunate to come away with nothing last week against Sevilla FC at San Mamés.

“We’re going to play well, we’re going to compete and we’re going to create chances,” Marcelino said ahead of Betis’ visit to Bilbao on Sunday afternoon.

“The team does some very good things and the players deserve to win, and the fans deserve it too. We want all three points against Betis and we want to pick up a deserved and much-needed win.”

The Lions will be hoping to put the current run of bad form behind them with the help of a packed out San Mamés and Marcelino reiterated his belief that Athletic’s will turn things around.

He said: “I’m convinced we’ll get back to winning ways. Tomorrow with the help and support of San Mamés, which is vital in moments like these, we’ll try to be consistent and intense to get the win.”

Los Rojiblancos will face stiff opposition in the form of third-placed side Real Betis, who are currently off to their third best start to a LaLiga campaign in history.

“It’s a good team. They’ve had four consecutive wins in the league coming into this match,” Marcelino said.

“They’re strong in attack and from the halfway point of last season they’ve improved enormously in defence. They find themselves on a good run of form, and they don’t need a lot of chances to score.

“It will be an even match. Despite the fact we haven’t won in a while, the team’s competitive level can’t be questioned. We’ve shown we’re capable of competing against any other side.

“We have to be at our absolute best and add that bit of accuracy we need so we can get the win.”

When asked about the absences of Unai Simón and Iñigo Martínez due to positive COVID-19 tests, the head coach stressed Athletic have enough strength in depth to cope.

“There are other footballers who have been desperate to be involved and we’re fully confident in all of them,” he added.

“They’re two important players for Athletic, but we have to be able to deal with these kinds of situations.”