Marcelino’s Future and Villarreal’s Ambitions

Marcelino is set to be a focal point at Villarreal in the upcoming months. The Asturian coach’s contract expires in June, and his future remains uncertain. During a press conference ahead of the match against Alavés, he stated that total confidence between both parties is essential to reach an agreement, in order to avoid issues similar to those experienced at the end of his previous tenure with the club.

Regarding his future, he remarked, “At this moment, I believe my future is secondary. After eight seasons, when there is a clear understanding between both parties, along with a satisfactory assessment of the numbers and performance, if there is absolute trust to extend our situation, that’s great. If not, we should steer clear of the circumstances that occurred last time, when we departed in a way we want to avoid at all costs. We’ll see what happens, but it’s not a concern for us at this moment.”

On the team’s current state, he noted, “We are doing well. After a victory, spirits are higher. In December, things weren’t worse because they didn’t need to be. We are excited about achieving our first home victory. It is expected that Thomas will be available; he is improving physically and has recently become a father. Pau has had minor discomfort, and we are unsure if he will be available. The rest are all fit except those with long-term injuries.”

Discussing their position in the league, he said, “We know we have two games in hand over Atlético, who are currently tied on points with us. These games could provide us with an advantage. The first of these matches is tomorrow, and it is at home. If we are strong at home, we will remain at the top of the table. The standings confirm this after the first round; those who have won the most at home are at the top. To maintain our position, we need to continue in this vein. Alavés is our next opponent, and we cannot afford to be complacent. We must prepare to give a little more to achieve our ambitious goal.”

Reflecting on the first half of the season, he added, “If we win the next two matches, we could reach 44 points, which would be incredible. For now, we are aiming for 41 points. It won’t be easy, but we are playing at home and possess the determination, capability, and ambition to win. We must demonstrate this on the pitch to be close to victory. Alavés is a well-organized team that concedes little and works hard. They will pose a challenge for us. We need to respect our opponent while showcasing our strengths. Winning is increasingly difficult as hopes and fears rise based on their standings, which complicates matters further.”

On maintaining their home momentum, he commented, “Looking back won’t lead you to victory; looking forward does. Winning gives you security and confidence, but it all depends on what happens in the 90 minutes. There are times when you are superior to the opponent but fail to convert that into a win. The key is being decisive in both boxes. We haven’t kept a clean sheet since the match against Getafe, which has been several games ago. Achieving that is crucial for getting closer to winning games.”

Discussing Dani Parejo, he expressed, “To reach his numbers, one must be an extraordinary footballer with an excellent physique, free from recurring injuries. With great talent, he has managed to maintain his consistency. His football intelligence plays a significant role in his presence. He rarely gets injured and is an exceptional player. I believe he is the best player I have trained in that position, even surpassing other talented players like Bruno. I have a personal affection for Dani that extends beyond the professional realm.”

On Parejo’s future, he noted, “He is doing well. It’s true that playing at 37 isn’t the same as at 25, but that applies to every player. As you age, it impacts your performance. The elite rhythms are highly demanding. However, in his position, his quality, positioning, and tactical intelligence shine through. He is playing, albeit less than in previous seasons. This is a reality of football. What matters is that he performs well and we enjoy his contributions while optimizing his performance.”