Villarreal head coach Marcelino García Toral spoke to _AS_ ahead of his side’s La Liga meeting with Real Madrid on Saturday, offering his thoughts on Los Blancos’ current situation and the broader realities of modern football management.
Asked about Real Madrid’s recent struggles, Marcelino emphasized the club’s ability to recover quickly due to its stature and resources, while also acknowledging that the season has been unusual by their standards.
> “A club as big as Real Madrid, with such talented players, always has a chance to turn things around more quickly than clubs with fewer resources. They’re going through a difficult period, because it’s not normal for Real Madrid to go a season like last year without winning any titles and to already be out of two competitions halfway through this one. But it’s hard to give an opinion when you’re far away. I have the utmost respect for Real Madrid, and I’m quite busy commenting on our own situation, but I’m sure they have the human and footballing resources to quickly reverse any situation. Look at them in the Champions League; they have a very good chance of finishing in the top eight.”
Marcelino also addressed the recent dismissal of Xabi Alonso, speaking candidly about the emotional toll managerial sackings take within the profession. The Villarreal coach admitted the decision affected him personally, while noting that such outcomes have become an accepted — if harsh — part of the modern game.
> “Xabi Alonso’s dismissal saddened me. Not surprised, because we see unexpected decisions being made all the time. I can attest to that. Coaches have the great advantage of doing what we truly love, but we know that in modern football there are circumstances beyond our control. Clubs depend on someone, and most are corporations, owned by people who do what they believe is best for the company. Coaches are absolutely subject to that judgment. Fortunately, we depend on results, but not in every case. And it saddens me every time I see a colleague suffer, whether during a match or because of the public rumors that their job is in jeopardy. Those situations sadden me. I put myself in their shoes, and it reminds me of times when I was going through even worse, which coincided with similar circumstances.”
Real Madrid travel to La Cerámica looking to steady their season, while Villarreal aim to capitalize on home advantage against a side Marcelino clearly believes still possesses the tools to rebound quickly.