Marcelino: “The players are confident in what they’re doing”

Marcelino García Toral reiterated that the Athletic Club players are fully committed and “confident in what they’re doing” as Los Rojiblancos prepare to take on Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza on Sunday evening (18:30 CET).

The Athletic boss was back in a press conference for the first time this year after having had to self-isolate due to catching COVID-19.

Los Leones have kickstarted 2022 with consecutive victories, in LaLiga against CA Osasuna and in the Copa against Atlético Mancha Real. However, Marcelino insisted the team’s previous performances had always merited more, but they lacked that bit of luck.

“For a coach, when you don’t win, it’s difficult to convince people the team is actually okay,” Marcelino said when asked about the Lions’ recent upturn in form and their improvement in the final third.

“Our numbers indicate we’re one of the best teams in the competition in many areas of the game and the difference is that now we’re more clinical in front of goal. Scoring goals boosts confidence and gives us a better chance of winning.

“In football, goals are everything. The more you score, the more likely you are to achieve your objectives. Even so, we have to keep working on other aspects of our game too. Goals come when you are persistent and when you are constant and daring.”

Sunday’s Basque rivals Deportivo Alavés have just changed manager, bringing in José Luis Mendilibar, a man known for getting his sides to play aggressive pressing football.

“Mendilibar has a very good track record in the Primera División and his teams always have a clear philosophy,” Marcelino added.

“In the space of a week, he has changed the way they play. High pressing, direct play, he wants his sides to play in the opposition half and put in a lot of crosses.

“We have to match their intensity and counter it. We’re in a good form and we’ll go with the ambition of outplaying our opponents and getting three points.”