Although the draw at Villarreal was not the result expected after four days without a win, Marcelino was “proud” of his team’s response and grateful for the support from the stands
Sweet and sour taste. “It became very difficult for us to have an avoidable action goal that we knew how to solve. And with the eviction, it became more difficult. We had clear opportunities before, but we lack the success we had before. With 10, we had three very clear ones. I am proud of the players, the work, the game and I am grateful to the fans because they helped us today. “The first half we played with 10 was extraordinary and we suffered in the second but we had courage and defensive intensity. This draw is worth more than a point for us.”
After the expulsion, he maintained only three defenses. “We were losing and the team was under pressure and with good footwork. The dismissal came from an action that should have been avoided, but that’s football. “We wanted to win and the effort was huge”
Return of Foyth. “Juan is a very high-level player, as he showed before the injuries. He is capable of winning fights against any player in the league. He suffered a lot from the shoulder and knee operations. “He played earlier than we thought a week ago, but the situation forced us to make that decision. As a football player, I’ve been injured for a year and I know what it’s like.”
Final statistics Villarreal – Rayo
The wolf. “Those are experiences we learn from. He is 20 years old, has played little and had to adapt after arriving in another country and suffered injuries. From the football it comes from, these tickets are punished differently. “We are excited about his progress and because we think he can be a very good footballer in the future.”
Mental strengthening. “We had a bit of a slump, but I think we were penalized too much. In the last games, we conceded eight goals, in which we scored 12 goals. It does not last forever. “Leganes” is a difficult field, but we have recovered our mentality and ambitions. The team moved me today”
Improve at home. “We have to play a second round at home, which is different from the first. If we are protected, the players dare to do more things. The team has generated passion, but the public has been supportive at times. I will always ask for support, because this team wants to play like today, and we will continue to be on top.
Mercado: “We leave it for another day. Today I prefer to be grateful to the players”