Marcelino: Red card no excuse

Marcelino has refused to make Bojan Jokic a scapegoat for Villarreal’s 1-0 defeat at Levante following the left-back’s early red card.

The Slovenian was dismissed on 36 minutes after two bookable offences, before Deyverson scored the winner for the hosts in the latter stages, but the Coach insists the entire squad must be held accountable for the result.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and that it’d be decided on a small detail,” he said after the game.

“It’s clear that the red card was a determinant [in us losing], but although we were dominated, we didn’t endure too much strain. It’s too bad that we conceded in the end.

“[Levante] played a quick game and combined well, but they wouldn’t have dominated 11 v 11.

“I would’ve liked to have seen more participation and ball movement, but Levante closed us down and it’s true that the red card conditioned us greatly.

“[On Jokic’s red card], I don’t know if his second yellow was as serious as his first.

“However, if we lost then it’s because we’ve all made mistakes, not Jokic for his red card. I’m the Coach and I’ll split the blame between everyone.”

The Yellow Submarine nonetheless remain top of La Liga, with Real Madrid and Celta Vigo both drawing and Barcelona losing.

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