Villarreal’s head coach, Marcelino, said he’s ready to “enjoy and suffer” in the upcoming clash with Manchester City, putting a human side to the Spanish club’s fight against Premier League giants.
When asked about the next Champions League match, Marcelino smiled and said, “It’s a game of two sides. I want the team to have a good day, to enjoy the atmosphere, but we will also feel the pressure and the pain if the result doesn’t go our way.”
The Spanish side, who have struggled to find consistent form at the start of the campaign, will play against England’s Manchester City at the iconic Old Trafford venue. Both teams are seeded into the group stage, and the win could send Villarreal into the knockout rounds, while a defeat could mean an early exit.
Marcelino, who joined Villarreal last season, has built a squad noted for its resilience and tactical flexibility. In last week’s game, Villarreal upset the league leaders with a 2‑1 victory, but the win spoilt the celebrations for manager Marcelino, who emphasized that there are still big challenges ahead.
“Manchester City has a world‑class squad,” Marcelino said. “We have to fight for every point. It’s not enough to just enjoy it; we must also be ready to suffer, to learn. That’s how we grow.”
The manager also highlighted how the team’s defensive organisation will be key. “We will sit deep, break up their play and hit them on the counter,” he added.
The Spanish press already reckoned that if Villarreal can summon the right mix of intensity and composure, the match could be a turning point for both clubs.
Fans of Villarreal and football watchers around the world are watching with anticipation, keen to see if the Greek‑born coach can guide the Spanish club to past‑paradise and give Manchester City a shot in the fight for the Champions League title.
The game is set for late Saturday night, with live coverage worldwide. Fans can follow the match and Marcelino’s coaching approach as Villarreal goes head‑to‑head against England’s elite side.
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