Marcelino García Toral believes Villarreal has delivered an outstanding league campaign this season. The Asturian coach praised his team’s consistency ahead of their Wednesday evening clash against Sevilla at the Estadio de la Cerámica, targeting a strong finish.
“We want to finish the season in third place,” Marcelino stated. “We’ve held that position for many matchdays. At times we were first or second, but third place has been the most frequent spot for us. That shows the team’s stability,” the coach explained, adding that Villarreal aims to “consolidate that position with another victory” against Sevilla.
The manager acknowledged that other goals remain within reach, such as achieving a higher points total or breaking goal-scoring records. He described Sevilla as a “tough, highly intense, and competitive” side fighting for points.
### Praise for Sevilla and Their Coach
“Since the arrival of their new coach, the team’s dynamics have changed, especially at home. They have recorded two positive results, which have pulled them away from the relegation zone. I think it’s almost confirmed,” Marcelino noted, adding that recent results likely eased Sevilla’s “anxiety” and boosted their “confidence.”
The coach stressed that his team is “not the referee of anything,” referring to recent matches against sides battling relegation. He reiterated that Villarreal wants to win “because our duty is to show maximum effort and ability, and also out of respect for the game.”
### Offensive Strength
Explaining Villarreal’s impressive home record—only two league defeats—Marcelino highlighted that early positive results built “confidence.”
“We score goals, concede few chances, and play with energy,” he explained, reiterating that the key to the match lies in “being dangerous inside the box.”
### Gratitude
Marcelino thanked Luis García Plaza for his praise of Villarreal’s home form but emphasized that the team’s overall performance has been “excellent,” noting they are six points ahead of Atlético Madrid and eight behind Real Madrid.
In this regard, the coach admitted that if Atlético fails to win this round, “it would be wonderful to celebrate third place in front of our fans with another victory, a great game, and goals.”