Villarreal vs Athletic Bilbao: Can Marcelino End Valverde Hoodoo?
Get ready for a La Liga clash as Villarreal prepares to face Athletic Bilbao! This weekend's match promises excitement as Villarreal aims to extend Athletic Bilbao's winless streak. The pressure is on Ernesto Valverde's side, who, despite a shaky start, are only three points behind Villarreal in the league standings. Villarreal, on the other hand, has enjoyed a flying start, accumulating 13 points from their first six games – their best record since 2015-16.
Marcelino's Challenge
However, history isn't on Marcelino's side. He's currently on an eight-match winless run against Valverde in La Liga, a statistic he's keen to overturn. This poor record is the second-worst in his managerial career against a single opponent, with only Carlo Ancelotti proving a tougher nut to crack.
Marcelino's Perspective
Despite Bilbao's recent struggles, Marcelino isn't underestimating them. "I think they are a super competitive team, difficult to score against, with very clear ideas, and they are performing at a high level," he stated. He emphasizes the importance of gathering information to prevent injuries and maintain a competitive edge.
- Villarreal's strong start: 13 points in 6 games.
- Athletic Bilbao's recent struggles: Winless in the last three league matches.
- Marcelino's personal challenge: Breaking the winless streak against Valverde.
Marcelino is focused on mixing players effectively and assessing the team's competitive level during this crucial month. He sees similarities between this match and their previous encounter against Atletico Madrid and hopes for a better response this time around. Will Villarreal overcome their historical challenges and extend Bilbao's woes? Tune in to find out!