Villarreal manager Marcelino has expressed his support for Dani Carvajal following an alarming incident during Saturday’s match, where Carvajal had to leave the field on a stretcher due to a potential knee injury.
Marcelino shared his hopes that the injury is not as severe as it seems and that Carvajal will be back on the pitch soon. He acknowledges the worry that surrounds such situations, recognizing the emotional impact on players, coaches, and fans alike.
“I hope it is not as serious as it is thought and we see him playing soon. And, if not, I hope we can be patient and see such an extraordinary footballer back soon,” said Marcelino after the match.
Marcelino’s concern is not just for Carvajal’s immediate health but also for the broader implications of such injuries on a player’s career.
“In these situations and when you see a footballer in that state… we all put ourselves in the worst situation, but that will be confirmed, or hopefully not, by the Real Madrid doctor.”
How is Yeremy Pino doing?
In addition to discussing Carvajal, Marcelino addressed the situation of Yeremy Pino, a Villarreal player who collided with Carvajal during the match.
Pino himself has faced injury struggles, having suffered a cruciate ligament tear in his knee last November. The emotional toll on players is evident, as Pino has demonstrated his sensitivity towards his fellow athletes.
Recently, during a game against Barcelona, he was visibly upset after witnessing Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s knee injury.
Marcelino noted Pino’s understanding of the seriousness of such injuries, acknowledging the bad luck that both players have experienced.
“He’s upset. He knows what he suffered. He knows what a break of this type is. In addition, both plays are the height of bad luck,” the Villarreal coach explained.
Thoughts on the defeat
Reflecting on the match against Real Madrid, which Villarreal lost 2-0, Marcelino praised his team’s defensive efforts. He pointed out that, despite the defeat, his team did not appear to be dominated by Real Madrid at any point during the game.
“I am not here to analyse Real Madrid. I am here to analyse my team and we were not dominated by Real Madrid at any time.”
Marcelino felt that his players performed well defensively but struggled to create enough opportunities in the attacking third.
He acknowledged that a moment of brilliance from Real Madrid defined the match, leaving his team with the bittersweet feeling of having been competitive yet lacking in their attacking incisiveness.
“We were at a good level, but we lacked in the opponent’s area. The game was there and a moment of genius, the one that made it 2-0, defined it.
“We are left with the feeling that we lacked being more incisive,” he explained.
Source: Mundo Deportivo