Villarreal boss Marcelino has advised caution about his team’s chances of finishing in a Champions League place this season.
The Yellow Submarine sit fourth in La Liga and take on Malaga at El Madrigal on Friday night, with Marcelino believing talk of a top-four finish is a little premature, although he does not want to curb the club’s aspirations.
“To talk of the Champions League is easy, very easy. But we must speak a little and work a lot. The aim is caution and maximum ambition.
“There is still two-thirds of the season remaining and it’s difficult to maintain the same rhythm. Only time will tell,” he told reporters.
Despite the great start to the 2013-14 campaign, Marcelino insists he will still be trying to improve the performance of his team.
“You can always improve in life and that’s what I try to get over to the group, that you can always improve.
“That’s the idea, to always be better, and that’s something we are trying to do. The players are always eager to give a lot more.”
Marcelino acknowledged that Malaga will go into Friday’s game needing to start picking up points after winning just one of their last eight games.
“I don’t believe in high or low points. Winning or losing streaks are there to be broken and they come here needing a positive result.
“Malaga is a team that is hard to overcome, one that has not been beaten comfortably away from home, and their results show they are a competitive and dangerous side.”
The good news for Villarreal is that they will have all their players available for the first time this season.
“It’s difficult to select the squad but that’s what a Coach wants. It’s the ideal situation.
“Some people might be disappointed if they don’t play, although I’m sure they’d be even more upset if they were injured, so it’s great news to have everyone available,” explained Marcelino.
