Marcelino: “A win would see us jump up the table”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral reiterated that three points against RCD Mallorca on Monday night (kick-off, 21:00 CET) could see the Lions move into European places.

Athletic are currently eighth in the table with 34 points, just two points off Villarreal in sixth place. What’s more Los Rojiblancos have not lost a LaLiga fixture since the turn of the year.

“We’re entering the second third of the competition and with less and less time left, every game is very important,” Marcelino said at a pre-match press conference ahead of Athletic’s trip to RCD Mallorca on Monday night.

“We are on a very good run in LaLiga and winning tomorrow would put us in a very good position in the league table. This is a very important match for us and we have to treat it as such from the first minute.

“We want to put the Copa to one side until the second leg and focus on LaLiga. Our idea has to be that the most crucial fixture is the one in front of us.”

The boss repeated the need to put on consistent high-level performances and maintain a winning mentality.

He said: “We must always strive for our peak performance. That mentality leads to consistency, to wanting to win every game and to wanting to improve every day, all of which will make us better.”

Monday’s opponents RCD Mallorca have picked up the majority of their points at home this season. Added to that, the side, who are 17th in LaLiga Santander, will be looking to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

“The opposition’s home record is good, they’re a difficult team to beat at their stadium,” Marcelino said. “I want to win, a draw is no consolation and losing would make me upset.

“The only mentality should be to do everything possible to get the three points. We’re in good form and we have to keep it up.”