Marcelino Garcia Toral has played down Villarreal’s chances of qualifying for Europe, urging his players to maintain their focus and intensity.
The Yellow Submarine are enjoying a strong start to life back in La Liga and after 10 rounds of action find themselves occupying the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.
“I understand that the fans want to start to talk about Europe, but it is hasty, premature, it should be more wishful thinking than a goal. It is hard to get into the top seven,” Coach Marcelino has countered today.
“Now we are fourth, but it will be very complicated, all that it will do is divert focus, which is not good for u.
“Thought is free, though, whilst within the team we are humble and aware that we have to fight and suffer to be among the top seven come Week 38.
“We are a solid team and very reliable. We hope to continue like this until the end, but it will not be easy.
“We have had no injuries and that is very important and we have been fortunate with that so far. Added to this, the group are very involved and looking forward and with that we can do many things.
“But if we lower the bar, as we did in Bilbao, then we will find that this is a very competitive League.
“My team works because they all work, they all play their role and do things well.”
Villarreal face Getafe on Thursday evening in Week 11.
“They are a team that runs, are patient and has very decisive players in the offensive third. Defensively they are also a very solid team. We will have to make things difficult.
“If we are at a good level then we will be favourites, but if we lower our intensity then we can put ourselves in a lot of trouble.”