Marcelino: "It's the happiest day of my career"

A euphoric Marcelino spoke after the Copa del Rey final and his winning a first trophy in Spanish football. The Valencia CF coach, his voice hoarse from giving instructions to his players and from the elation of the celebrations, spoke to the media in his post-match press conference.

The joy of a Copa del Rey win
"It's the happiest day of my career. It's THE win. There is always a first final and a first win. I thank the players, the coaching staff, my family... Everyone has helped me become the happiest person in the world on a professional level."

"Last year was magnificent. We started this year badly -or not well, let's say, because we were competing even when the results weren't there. That suffering has given us this today. The players gave me the opportunity to win this. The love and gratitude that we have is mutual."


Thoughts before the game
"I told myself 'Now that we are here, we can win.' We competed well against Barcelona in the two league games. Us taking fourth place gave us an important boost in morale, and the players believed that they could win. Destiny has meant that the first time that I have beaten FC Barcelona -and it was the players, not me- was in the Copa del Rey final."

"Barça had won this competition the last 4 years, 5 times from 6, 8 from 10. Valencia CF, thanks to the players, were worthy winners. I feel an indescribable happiness right now. Many people come to mind, and these players have made us enjoy ourselves and win. It's an incredible moment."

Messi's consolation goal
"We had to suffer. It would be impossible to win a trophy against FC Barcelona without suffering. The team transmitted solidity throughout the game. We believed that we could score a third goal from any counterattack that we had. They dominated us more than we had expected at times. When we had the team furthest up the pitch, they scored from a set piece."

"I think that Barça were the same as always. They had more chances against us in LaLiga than they did today and played in the same way. The reason that we won today was because of us, not because Barça changed their plan."

The fans
"We knew that the Valencia CF fans wanted this cup. I felt calm all day, and I think that the fans were also able to provide the enjoyment and play required from a final."

Faith from the club
"In moments of difficulty, the players showed their support for me. I was grateful for that and I'll never forget it. It wasn't easy for the club to place so much confidence in me, and it wasn't easy to turn the situation around the way that we did. It's been shown that I wasn't so bad before, nor am I so good now."