Marcelino: “We should be proud of this team”

Athletic Club head coach Marcelino García Toral said he is proud of his Lions and how they have conducted themselves so far in the Spanish Super Cup.

Los Rojiblancos face Real Madrid in the final on Sunday evening at 19:30 CET as they look to retain the trophy they won last year. It will also be Athletic’s fourth final in the space of a year.

“We should be proud of this team,” Marcelino said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday morning. “We’re a team in every sense of the word. Our work is based on that, on showing our potential as a collective.

“That this club, with a different philosophy, and in this globalised football world, can compete in these kinds of matches against the greatest squads in the sport is something that deserves a lot of credit.

“The club has to enjoy this great moment.”

Marcelino stressed Athletic will leave no blade of grass uncovered as they look to retain the Supercopa, saying he was optimistic about the Lions’ chances.

“Now we’re here, we’re only thinking about winning,” he added. “We’ll play with plenty of enthusiasm and ambition,

“I have to be positive, optimistic and ambitious, and that’s how the players make me feel. The players’ spirit and morale will see them get over any fatigue or niggles they might have.

“We’re a tough team to beat. Our previous experiences indicate we’re going to have a shot at winning.”

Real Madrid are back in the Supercopa for a second time since the competition converted to a final four format. Carlo Ancelotti’s team also top the LaLiga Santander table at the moment.

“They’re a powerful side. We’ll have to be at our best to make sure we don’t concede,” Marcelino said. 

“We’re here in the final and the past counts for nothing now. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got to win, despite knowing how difficult it will be.”