Marcelino Analyzes Betis Match: “Their Draws Highlight Key Differences”
Villarreal and Real Betis are set to face each other on Saturday at the La Cartuja stadium. The match will kick off at 21:00 and marks the beginning of the second half of LaLiga for both teams. Ahead of this crucial clash, Villarreal’s head coach, Marcelino García Toral, provided insights into the key elements affecting the upcoming game.
Marcelino Analyzes Betis Match: “Their Draws Highlight Key Differences”
Marcelino emphasized the strong performance Villarreal has showcased while playing away from home. This season, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ has accumulated 16 points in away matches. However, the coach remains cautious, highlighting the challenges of winning in a tough arena against a strong opponent. He remarked, “We know we are going to a very complicated field against a very good team and an extraordinary coach.”
Understanding Real Betis
Marcelino expressed respect for Real Betis, declaring it a formidable team capable of defeating anyone, as demonstrated in past seasons. He noted that Betis has built a squad this year aimed at competing for a Champions League spot. “What motivates us is to see ourselves in contention with the top teams in our league,” he mentioned, stressing the importance of humility and ambition in achieving success.
Betis’s Playing Style
The Villarreal coach analyzed Betis’s style of play, explaining that their strategy shifts depending on player availability. “With Isco, they maintain more possession, especially when paired with Fornals or Lo Celso,” he stated. Conversely, with players like Antony and Abde, Betis adopts a more direct and vertical approach. “We expect a team that attacks well, counterattacks effectively, and creates constant problems,” he added, indicating the challenge Villarreal will face.
Past Encounters and Current Form
Reflecting on last year’s matchup, Marcelino compared it to the current season. “There was an intense battle with them until the last few matches. When we played there, if they had won, they would have surpassed us in the standings. However, we won, which was a significant step for us,” he recounted.
Marcelino also pointed out the inconsistency in Betis’s performance this season. He noted, “They have more draws than we do, and we have managed to secure more wins. That is the key difference; they have had games where they could have secured victories but ended in draws.”
Team Updates
On the injury front, Marcelino provided updates on Gerard Moreno’s fitness. He indicated that if Moreno is fit for 45 minutes, he can start the match. Furthermore, he discussed the adjustment process for Mikautadze, noting that adapting to a new playing style, living conditions, and language takes time. “As he becomes more acclimated, his performance will likely improve,” Marcelino concluded.
