Marcelino: “We’re a better team than at this point last year”
Marcelino: “We’re a better team than at this point last year”
Marcelino said Athletic will go to “toe-to-toe” against “three of the best teams in the world” as they aim to retain their title
Athletic Club head coach Marcelino García Toral said his side are better than when they won the Spanish Super Cup last year, insisting it would be remiss of anyone to underestimate the Lions’ chances.
Los Rojiblancos are in Riyadh as they prepare to defend their Supercopa trophy, starting with a semi-final against LaLiga Santander champions Atlético Madrid on Thursday night (20:00 CET).
“We’re facing a good team, but we’re aware of our own competitive level,” Marcelino said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
“This last year we’ve played Atlético three times: win, lose, draw. And with results which reflect how tight these games are. In a one-off match, we’re not far off them.”
The competition offers Marcelino an opportunity to pick up a second piece of silverware at Athletic Club and the Gaffer admitted he could not be happier the Lions are in the mix to lift the trophy again.
“We’re very happy to be two matches away from retaining this trophy,” he added. “And at the same time, against three huge teams. We’ll fight tooth and nail to reach the final and beat three of the best treams in the world.”