Marcelino: “Precision and San Mames will make the difference”
Marcelino: “Precision and San Mames will make the difference”
Marcelino says Athletic will need to “play the perfect game” against Real Madrid on Thursday night but believes San Mamés will be crucial in helping that happen
Marcelino García Toral insisted accuracy in the final third and the support of the San Mamés faithful will be key if Athletic Club are to beat Real Madrid and book a place in the Copa semi-finals.
The Lions defeated FC Barcelona 3-2 in front of an electric Cathedral during their most recent Copa outing. It was a night Marcelino called a “magical experience” and one which he wishes to repeat.
On Thursday night at 21:30, Los Rojiblancos take on a Real Madrid side Marcelino describes as the “most in-form team in LaLiga”. Nonetheless, the manager believes Athletic have demonstrated they are capable of winning in their previous encounters with Los Blancos this season.
“If we didn’t get what we deserved in our last matches against them, it was down to a a lack of precision in front of goal, because in all other facets of play we competed against them on equal terms,” he said.
“We need to do better in the final third and with the help of our fans, who will surely be there in full voice, we can get through to the semi-finals.”
The coach said Athletic will play with the same high press that has served them so well this season, stating: “We’ll try at all costs to stop their quick counter-attacks. We need to play a perfect game and make sure they don’t.
“In my opinion that former will have a direct impact on the latter.”