Sat Sep 13 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Villarreal Ready for ‘Demanding’ Clash Against Atlético Madrid, Says Marcelino
**Villarreal, Spain** – Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral has expressed his confidence and ambition ahead of their crucial La Liga match against Atlético Madrid this Saturday at the Metropolitano. Speaking to the press on Friday, Marcelino acknowledged the difficulty of the fixture but emphasized his team’s readiness for the challenge.
“They’re always a very dangerous team, especially at home,” Marcelino said, highlighting Atlético’s impressive home record. “It will be a very tough match. Atlético are a great team with an extraordinary coach.”
Despite acknowledging Atlético’s strength, Marcelino remained optimistic. “We’re motivated because we’ve shown we can play at a high level. We’re optimistic and ambitious. We want to win.”
He cited defensive solidity and attacking with “personality” as keys to success against Diego Simeone’s side. He also addressed the return of international players, expressing satisfaction that they all returned fit and ready to contribute. “We’re very pleased to finally have the full squad available for the season,” he stated. “Now we face three exciting, beautiful and tough weeks, but we approach them with ambition and enthusiasm.”
Marcelino also discussed the integration of new signings, acknowledging the limited time they’ve had to work together. “For the new arrivals, we’ll try to help them adapt as quickly as possible. There are many matches ahead, and we won’t be able to train normally. We count on all of them.”
With a tight schedule ahead, including Champions League commitments, Marcelino welcomes the challenge. “We all want to play these kinds of matches. We’d rather play Champions League games than be training while waiting for league matches.”
He anticipates a tight, balanced game against Atlético. “I expect a balanced match. We’re two strong teams… We’ll try to keep the solidity and ambition we’ve shown so far. It’ll be tough, but we need enthusiasm and ambition.”
Villarreal, currently unbeaten in three league games, will look to continue their positive start to the season against a formidable Atlético side. The match kicks off at 9pm CEST on Saturday.
First Piper 