Garcia Toral upbeat despite defeat

Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral reflected on a positive start to the campaign despite suffering a first defeat on Sunday.

Garcia Toral saw his side’s unbeaten run this term ended against Real Betis thanks to a first-half Nosa Igiebor strike at the Estadio Benito Villamarin.

However, despite the loss, Garcia Toral believes that his side can be proud of their achievements so far in the campaign.

“It is a shame that we have not been able to take any of the chances,” he said.

“It is true that I am annoyed with the result, but losing only in our seventh game is something to be proud of.

“There are many ways to lose, this hurts less.”

Garcia Toral was sent to the stands during the match for protesting a decision not to award a penalty when Javier Aquino went down in the final minute.

However, the Spaniard has defended his actions and insisted that he was right to protest.

“I protested with my arms raised, but I did not insult or belittle the referee,” he continued.

“I will not talk about the referee. I’m not going to speak of him excellently, nor badly. I am not afraid of his report. You can only put in a protest at his decision but nothing more.

“The images and facts are what they are. The players, who are implicated, have told me that something on the field had happened and then it is for the referee to decide. Nothing more.”