Marcelino: “We must play every game with maximum intensity”

Marcelino García Toral insisted Athletic Club should go into every game with the same winning mentality, regardless of the competition, setting or rival.

After knocking out Real Madrid in the Copa on Thursday, the Lions are back in LaLiga action, facing RCD Espanyol at San Mamés on Monday night (21:00 CET).

“We must play every game with the maximum intensity,” the boss said at a pre-match press conference in Lezama.

“That’s motto we must take into every match and we need to show that attitude no matter which opponent we’re facing or which competition we’re playing in.

“Our mentality should always be to win and play well, whether we’re playing Espanyol in LaLiga or Real Madrid in the Copa.”

Marcelino acknowledged the team are in high spirits having not lost in LaLiga Santander since the turn of the year in addition to their Copa exploits.

“Morale is extraordinarily high. We’re coming off the back of some huge efforts, but we have a lot of players available,” he said.

“They all want to play and their attitude, hard work and ambition are going to allow them to give a good performance.

“We’re trying to have as much choice as possible so that whoever plays, the team doesn’t suffer. It’s satisfying to know that any player we put on the pitch is going to do the best he can.”

As for RCD Espanyol, the head coach is certain they will be tough opponents, praising the work Vicente Moreno has done at the club.

He added: “Espanyol are having a magnificent season. They’re dynamic and bold and play an attractive style of football. I think they’re a good side with a great manager.”