Marcelino: “Three vital points to stay in the race”

Athletic Club manager Marcelino García Toral said a victory against Getafe CF on Friday night would be “vital” in terms of the Lions’ European ambitions.

Los Rojiblancos currently sit in eighth place, seven points off sixth. However, the boss is hopeful Athletic can reduce that gap, especially as the Lions’ next two LaLiga Santander fixtures are in Bilbao.

“These are three vital points to stay in the race,” Marcelino said at a pre-match conference ahead of the Matchday 29 clash.

“I think we’re below where we should be in the league table. Except for our effectiveness in front of goal, all the statistics suggest we should be higher up the standings.

“We’re not higher up the table because scoring goals is what gives you more favourable results. We need to improve in that area.”

Marcelino repeated his mantra of focusing on the short-term rather than looking too far ahead. He stressed Getafe would be tough opponents and should not be overlooked.

He said: “We have to focus on this game as if it were our last. It’s going to be very complicated because we’re playing against a team that sits very deep and doesn’t take risks.

“They always look to get the ball out of their half and that means you have to be creative and extremely effective in both boxes.

“We’ll need the support of our fans. We’re going to work hard, be intense and use all our strength to try and make sure we pick up three important points.”