Marcelino gives Villarreal three and a half days off after San Mamés win to cement third place | OneFootball

Marcelino has handed Villarreal three and a half days off after an emotionally and competitively significant win at San Mamés, rewarding a relentless league campaign. The squad will not resume until the afternoon of Thursday 16 April at the Ciudad Deportiva José Manuel Llaneza.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the players enjoyed the journey home, travelling by road from Bilbao to Vitoria Airport before flying to Valencia, where the first team was released. The break reflects accumulated physical load and serves as a reward for sustained consistency.

Villarreal sit third in LaLiga, behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. They reached 61 points with the Bilbao victory and hold a 15-point cushion over fifth-placed Real Betis, with seven rounds remaining.

The display in Bilbao underlined a mature, competitive side that has learned to navigate awkward venues and maintain its poise away from La Cerámica. It strengthens belief that the run-in can be approached from a position of authority.

The coaching staff will use the pause to manage workloads and track the fitness of several players. Villarreal’s next league trip is scheduled for 23 April against Real Oviedo at the Carlos Tartiere.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo