Marcelino says Athletic need an off night from Messi
The Athletic boss is hoping to beat Barça in a Cup Final for the third time in his career
Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelino GarcĂa Toral is hoping to win the third cup final of his career against Barcelona this Saturday when the two teams meet in the 2021 Copa del Rey Final.
Having won the 2019 Cup with Valencia and the 2021 Supercup with Bilbao last January, Marcelino knows how to beat the Blaugrana in a one-off title decider, and he shared some of that blueprint with the press on Friday.
And it is not surprising that part of Marcelino’s plan to stop Barça is hoping that a certain GOAT isn’t at his best.
“What can be most decisive in the game and, therefore, can most influence the result is that their offensive players do not reach their best level, especially Messi.
“To suppose we are going to have a possession similar to Barca is to depart from reality. Neither PSG or Madrid were capable of doing that. We know we will have to suffer, because you cannot beat Barça without suffering, not even the most powerful clubs know that.
“Barça would be favourites against any La Liga team, but it is not always the favourite who wins, it is the one who plays the best for 90 minutes and takes advantage of their opportunities.”
Source: barcablaugranes.com
Post a Comment