“We want a project in proportion to our professional career and the results obtained in the last three experiences (Villarreal, Valencia and Athletic) because they indicate that we are an up-to-date and progressively dynamic coaching staff.” This answer about his professional expectations is part of the interview that Marcelino García Toral has given to ‘AS’ from his Asturian residence. There he awaits events while reviewing his football career.
Best and worst moments as a coach
Within a successful career, Marcelino chooses the Copa del Rey won with Valencia in 2019 -against Leo Messi’s FC Barcelona- as his most memorable moment: “For being my first title and for winning it against whom and how we won it”.
When reflecting on the disappointments that take a toll on any coach’s path, one that marked him, in particular, appears: “My first experience as a professional coach at Sporting. The idea was to maintain the category, but against all odds, we became leaders in parts of the season. But in the end, we could not turn a good year into a promotion”.
His time at Athletic Club also has his deserved place in the interview. “The matches at San Mamés are fascinating; there is an absolute communion between the fans and the team, and it is a joy to experience them as the Athletic coach. I had to live several magical nights, and it is a fabulous experience”, points out Marcelino, who did not avoid questions about Gattuso’s departure from Valencia, Lim’s management, the influence of VAR in football…
In his speech, he expressed his attraction to the Premier League. However, he acknowledges that this seductive project could also be in Spain, Italy and Germany. He looks to the future without forgetting the past; to Marcelino, who took the Lealtad bench: “When I got the itch to be a coach, I was passionate about Sacchi’s Milan game and Rafa Benítez’s Valencia. There I began to develop that idea, which you then apply and develop with nuances, depending on the players you have”.
