Marcelino knew that the match against Atletico Madrid would be a tough one, but the team was still eager for a victory.

The Villarreal vs. Atletico Madrid match is more than just an ordinary game. It's the team's final match of the season after securing Champions League qualification for the second consecutive year. For two key players and legends of the club, Alfonso Pedraza and Dani Parejo, it will also be their "last dance" in the yellow jersey. Furthermore, it will be Marcelino's final match as manager of Villarreal for the second time.  

This will be a match filled with special significance, passion, and emotion, especially important for the fans, the players, and Marcelino García Toral himself. Villarreal coach Marcelino admitted that Sunday's match is very meaningful to him, saying, "The atmosphere before and after the match will be different. There will be farewells, and also a lot of gratitude."  

"I look forward to and hope to feel the support and love from the fans again, which they have always given me. Everything has a beginning and an end. We have spent many years here, and the entire coaching team is very happy here."  

In addition, Villarreal FC announced that a commemorative tile will be placed in the "Yellow Avenue" in honor of Marcelino. The Asturian coach expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to thank the president and the board. This is an unexpected honor for me, but I will always remember it and be grateful. To be able to remain on this avenue in this way, becoming part of a ceramic artwork symbolizing the city's industrial culture, is a great honor and pride for me."  

“I have gained a lot here. I have not only learned a lot, but also made many great friends and achieved important goals. I am very pleased and grateful to be able to leave after a historic season at the club.”  

Speaking about the upcoming match, Marcelino said the team still craves victory, despite recent fluctuations in form. He said, "We know it will be very difficult, but I always want to win; I'm an ambitious person. Frankly, I'm not satisfied with the team's performance in recent matches. However, as a member of the team, I will analyze and judge the situation in the context of the entire season."  

"In such a fast-paced season, once the established goals have been achieved, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive review of all aspects. But what is certain is that once the intensity of the game and the overall organization are lacking, the team's competitiveness will decline, and its overall strength will also weaken."  

“Atletico Madrid is a great team with an excellent coach and top players, and the club hasn’t beaten them at home in eight years. If the club wants to continue to grow, it must work hard to win games like this. Although the context is different this season compared to the past few seasons, the game will not be any easier because of that; facing Atletico Madrid is always a tough challenge.”  

Finally, Marcelino offered his gratitude and best wishes to Dani Parejo and Alfonso Pedraza. He said, "They are both very special players who have had many important moments at the club. Alfonso Pedraza came here at a very young age, and now he has decided to embark on a new phase; we wish him all the best for the future. As for Dani Parejo, he is not only an excellent player but also very important to our coaching staff. He needs to carefully consider all possibilities and make a decision about his future."  

Image source: Internet / Villarreal official website