For the first time this season, Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Tora has addressed the media at José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground ahead of their Matchday 1 clash with Real Oviedo.
Marcelino expressed his gratitude for the the birthday wishes he received on his 60th birthday. Speaking to the club’s media, he said:
“I take it that everyone has wished me well. The best gift possible would be a win tomorrow”
Speaking about Real Oviedo, Marcelino García praised the club’s qualities by saying:
“They are a hard-working team that press in different areas, attack down the flanks and have two strikers who are strong finishers.
“If they are here, it is because they have earned it, and I congratulate them.”
Marcelino was full of admiration on the return of Santi Cazorla as he recalled their time together. He said
“For me, he is a special player and one of the best footballers I have coached in my career. I consider him a personal friend.”
Marcelino also spoke about the players that left this summer. He acknowledged the contributions the players made. He said:
“We have to congratulate them for the good work they did last season. We grew as the season went on. This year, I would like to build on what we did well last season and improve it.”
“The aim is to always be better. It would be a great challenge to play in the Champions League in consecutive seasons for the first time in history.”
Speaking about pre-season friendlies against top opponents, Marcelino thanks the club for organizing them.
He said:
“We have played against champions from several leagues and, in many moments, we have shown superiority.”
He also expressed his concern over injuries to Logan and Willy:
“The injuries have hurt us a lot, firstly on a personal level and then thinking about the team.”
Marcelino is real for Villarreal’s new season as he is aiming to build the progress he had last year.
Softfootball had earlier reported that Villarreal have announced the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as he is set to begin training with the Yellow Submarine this week, amidst legal charges.
Although with legal charges hovering round the former Arsenal player in England over sexual harassment, Villarreal have reacted to stand with the player during his trial period.
