Marcelino: “We’re in the definitive stage of the competition”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral said the Lions must work harder than ever as they move into the “definitive stage” of the 2021/22 LaLiga Santander campaign.

Los Rojiblancos are currently four points off sixth place and have 11 matches left to win as many points as possible, starting with Sunday’s clash against Real Betis in Seville (kick-off at 16:15 CET).

“We have to remained focused,” Marcelino said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon.

“This season the team has competed at a good level in the vast majority of our matches. The obligation at this club is always to work hard to win, and to be a competitive, brave team. Tomorrow we’ll go for all three points.”

Real Betis currently occupy fifth place in the LaLiga Santander table, having dropped out of the Champions League places after registering two wins and three losses from their last five matches, their worst run of form so far this campaign.

Nonetheless, Marcelino expects a tough match against a strong side who are one of LaLiga Santander’s highest-scoring teams.

“They’re having an amazing season,” the Athletic boss added. “That’s proven by their league position.

“They’ll make it difficult for us, but we’ll go there fully motivated to win. It’s a tough place to go and we’re facing a great opponent, but we belief in what we’re doing and we’re in good form at the moment.”