Villarreal boss Marcelino insists his side are a match for Liverpool
Wednesday 27 April 2016 17:55, UK
Villarreal manager Marcelino insists his side are a match for Liverpool and says they feel no pressure ahead of their Europa League clash at El Madrigal.
The Reds' dramatic win over Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals immediately made Jurgen Klopp's team favourites to lift the trophy in Basel next month.
That win over his former club means Klopp will now take his Liverpool team to Spain for the first leg of the last-four tie.
However, ahead of the clash, Marcelino said he believes Villarreal, who are fourth in La Liga but 20 points behind third-placed Real Madrid, are more than equal to the Anfield side.
"Liverpool might be the favourite - the club, their history and the fact that they knocked out Borussia Dortmund all add up - but we don't consider ourselves to be less than them," he said. "We are going to give everything from our side to eliminate this legendary team.
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"We don't have any pressure on us. I'm really satisfied with, and grateful to, this squad for getting to this semi-final. We are very hopeful and convinced that we are capable of beating Liverpool, and all the while we'll be enjoying the occasion.
"I felt more pressure in the previous knockout ties and we have the chance to make history at this club now."
Villarreal have lost all three previous European semi-finals they have contested and former Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado admits it would be a major achievement to take the next step.
"It would be a very big achievement for Villarreal to get through to the final. It's what we're all dreaming about," said the Spaniard. "We strongly believe in our chances, although we know it's going to be difficult.
"This excitement must help us to play to our top level. We shouldn't feel any pressure but go out there and enjoy the moment that we're going to live together, players and fans alike."
