Marcelino García Toral, the coach of Villarreal CF, addressed the media on Friday to discuss the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, scheduled for this Saturday at 14:00 in the Estadio de la Cerámica.
Marcelino emphasized the challenges his team will face against a Rayo Vallecano side in good form. He noted that Rayo has secured notable victories away from home, including wins against Real Sociedad and Levante in their last two outings, resulting in three consecutive wins. He acknowledged the distinct identity and strength of their opponents, stating, “We are up against a very complicated team. This match will demand our best level to secure a win.”
Delving deeper into Rayo Vallecano’s style of play, Marcelino described them as a vertical and dangerous team, particularly effective in exploiting space. “They impose a high press, which limits how much you can play. They compel you to attack quickly; if you fail to finish, they transition rapidly. They possess speed and can exploit gaps behind the defense,” he explained. He stressed the importance of playing with patience and precision to avoid falling into Rayo’s fast-paced style, saying, “We must impose our game to tilt the match in our favor. The effectiveness in both boxes will be key.”
Additionally, Marcelino expressed gratitude for the support from fans in recent matches at La Cerámica. He highlighted the increasing attendance and the positive impact it has on the team’s performance: “We are very happy with the crowds at the stadium and grateful for the support, which reflects the team’s good performances. We hold high expectations for our players, fostering a positive mindset for all involved.”
In a positive note, Marcelino shared his satisfaction with the return of key players to the roster, except for those sidelined due to long-term injuries. He mentioned having recovered Ayoze and Gerard, both important offensive assets. “This is great news as their integration will enhance our productivity up front. Competition among players is beneficial and will elevate the team’s overall performance. We hope to maintain this trend and minimize injuries throughout the season.”
With an optimistic outlook for the match and the team’s evolving dynamics, Villarreal aims for a successful outcome against Rayo Vallecano.