Marcelino: “It won’t be decisive, but it is important”

Marcelino García Toral said Athletic Club’s match against Villarreal CF (18:30 CEST) at the Estadio de la Cerámica “won’t be decisive” in terms of the Lions’ European push, but “it is important”.

With eight LaLiga Santander fixtures left, both Athletic and Villarreal are in the race for European qualification. Athletic are eighth on 44 points, while the Yellows are seventh with 45 points. What’s more, depending on other results, seventh place could end up being an avenue for a place in the 2022/23 Europe Conference League.

“Winning won’t guarantee us a European place and losing won’t mean we’re out of the race,” Marcelino said at a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

“But it is true that it would be a huge step towards Europe, and above all, it’s important to win to help maintain our good run of form.”

Villarreal are in danger of losing touch with the top six after suffering three defeats in their last five fixtures. However, they have a strong squad and are on a high after beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final.

Marcelino said: “Their minds may be divided between one competition and the other, the Champions League is a big attraction.

“But they have a good squad and a recognisable style no matter who they play against. Tomorrow’s match is important for them too, they’re also playing to stay in touch with the race for Europe.”

The boss also gave an update on the injury status of the players, confirming Iñigo Martínez will be unavailable for selection due to “a complaint which is keeping him from being in his best shape, but it doesn’t seem serious”. Marcelino also said Dani García will be in the match day squad, but believes it would be “premature” to expect the midfielder to play very many minutes.

As for Oihan Sancet’s groin issues, the gaffer added: “He has better and worse days. We’re working together with the medical team to determine how long he can be at the maximum level and at the same time making sure that we don’t worse his injury.”