“The time has come to step aside and close a beautiful story.” Marcelino García Toral, moved, announced his departure from Athletic Club before the media in San Mamés. To make this very thoughtful decision, he has had to fight against his feelings: “My heart told me stay'”.
The Asturian coach showed his pride in having managed Athletic, a special club with unique fans that he was not able to enjoy as much as he would have liked. “We were ‘orphans’ while the pandemic attacked us. Then I learned the true meaning of being in San Mamés as coach of Athletic. We have lived unforgettable moments”, he acknowledged.
At the farewell ceremony, the presence of Aitor Elizegi (the president with whom he lived with during his stay at the club), José Ángel Iribar, Rafael Alkorta (sports director) and Iker Muniain, captain of the first team, stood out. All of them received a sincere thanks from Marcelino.
At the farewell ceremony, the presence of Aitor Elizegi (the president with whom he lived with during his stay at the club), José Ángel Iribar, Rafael Alkorta (sports director) and Iker Muniain, captain of the first team, stood out. All of them received a sincere thanks from Marcelino.
Members of his coaching staff were also in the front rows of the press room. With them he has enjoyed an unforgettable experience. “It has been the best group I have worked with during my almost 20 years as a professional. We are going to be grateful to this squad for life”, he declared. A squad in which several young footballers have emerged who have had the confidence of the coach. Players like Agirrezabala, Vivian, Vencedor, Sancet, Zarraga and Nico Williams.
Three finals and a trophy
Marcelino, who arrived at Athletic on January 3, 2021, will be remembered as the coach who led the conquest of the third Spanish Super Cup in the club’s history. He did it just two weeks after his incorporation, after defeating Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The exceptional performance of his team in the knockout competitions will remain in the memory. Finalist of the Copa del Rey in 2021 and semifinalist in 2022 (leaving FC Barcelona and Real Madrid on the way), he also reached the decisive match in the last Super Cup, held in January 2022 (after eliminating Atlético de Madrid in the semifinals) .
During his appearance, Marcelino stressed that they have added nine more points in LaLiga than in the previous season. The 55 points obtained are the best production of the last five campaigns. “If the leaders who hired us and let us work with absolute freedom had continued, we would have accepted the renewal, because we had full confidence and a project,” said the Spaniard, dismissed with applause by all those present.
