Athletic’s visit to Valencia will be very special for Marcelino. The Asturian returns for the first time to Mestalla, where he spent two years in which he achieved qualifications for the Champions League and a Cup title. In addition to expressing his gratitude to the Valencian fans, has insisted that “the past is past”, both in relation to his relationship with Bordalás and his departure from Valencia. Despite the casualties in attack, he believes that he has more than enough alternatives and admits that the team needs to perform 100% to achieve results. Finally, expect a very close match that will be marked by details and success in specific moments.
His return to Valencia
“In sports it is a game like any other. Emotionally it is different. It will be the first time that I go to Mestalla and it will be complicated. We spent two extraordinary years there at a professional level, we achieved very good results and there are many great moments lived within the club. The fans treated me incredible. When he goes to a place, every coach wants to achieve the successes that we achieved there and to have that affection on the part of the fans“.
He will greet Bordalás
“The past is past and you put it aside. From here on, I consider myself an educated person and of course I will reciprocate the greeting without any problem., because that’s how I think I should do it as a person and that’s how my parents raised me. We both represent two huge clubs and in my added case, it so happens that I was in that club “
On the fact that the defeat against Rayo was a “humility cure”
“I always mean towards us, and what could be. We have to be aware that we are a good team performing at the highest level and we have to strive for 100% in each game. For that we need our maximum concentration, not to make mistakes and the support of the people. Why? Because all Athletic matches are going to be matched. We are not a team with a scoring ability like other teams have. He also thanked the fans for the support they gave us on a very busy day. We have to turn San Mamés into a fort. The intensity and rhythm are beyond any doubt, we have to improve with the ball and we ask the fans to help us with this.“.
The alternatives for the attack
“We only have one option for nine. Then we are presented with playing with players of different profiles in the attack. We have the options to play with Muniain, Berenguer and Serrano, plus Raúl and Williams. I think we have enough solutions within the squad to face this game “
His departure from Valencia
“It was surprising, but it is past. I think I have quite a few flaws and some virtues. Among them is that I have no grudge. Moments happen, they are faced and then you live the present. The more you remember the past is to forget the bad times and be satisfied with the good ones. A leader arrives and makes the decision to dismiss a coach. I think the general opinion is that it was something that did not correspond and that it was a surprise to all. From there, to continue with the following “
The party you await
“Errors are a part of the game that we must avoid, but without them most games would end 0-0. The success in the details or in the areas will be what the party decides. Everything indicates that it will be equal and intense. I don’t know if it’s fast because the sun sets at four in the afternoon and that can slow down the pace of the game. I believe that equality will be the predominant note and the success at a key moment will decant the result“.
