For the bond he has acquired with her AEK spoke o Matias Almeida after the 3-0 win over Olympiakos in the first semi-final of the Novibet Greek Cup. The Argentinian coach referred to the trust he showed in his players, while clarifying that he does not consider qualification guaranteed.
In detail, the statements of Matias Almeida at the press conference:
– On whether the changes he made to the 11 were a risk: “First of all good evening. Thanks for the question… I’ve been taking risks in my life since I was 15. When I decided to leave my parents’ house, aged 15, it was my first risk. In the first meetings with my players, I said that I believe in teamwork. So what I try to do is be consistent in my work. I saw comments that upset me. That means some people don’t believe it. If we had lost the game they might have… taken my head off. I believe in projects. If someone doesn’t believe in me it’s because they don’t know me. I’m concerned about the players we train believing in me. I know why they are ready… If I say I believe in the group, I have to put my words into action. It is the trust I have in each one of them. I don’t train some players just to be on the roster, but to participate. The truth is, I saw a lot of comments. At one point I didn’t understand much… That’s how football is. It’s sad and sad sometimes.”
-As for whether he expected such a score: “It wasn’t easy. There were several times you told me that you were impressed that the team playing in the Cup has the same intensity as the one playing in the league. And tonight again this team brought out tension, like this 11 that plays in the championship. Once again I want to thank them for playing so well and understanding what we said. Many times in order to succeed you may not keep your word! We coaches are here to show that words can become deeds. In football you can lose, win, draw, but there can be consequences. You put time and work into what you do. We coaches always make mistakes. But we are always looking for the best for the team. I want to show confidence in those I coach. I liked the team.”
-On whether AEK are favorites after 3-0: “There are no favorites in derbies. We have to go and play a similar game to tonight and have a mentality like it’s 0-0. The opponent is great. They have a great coach and great players. Just one part of two games completed. So take it easy now… We’re preparing for the next league game and we’ll see the return leg when the time comes.”
-For the atmosphere in the stadium: “I am now part of this atmosphere. That’s why I renewed my contract for many years. I feel like I found my place! I am happy to be the coach of this team. Surely in the long run I will show more of who I am as a person, so that they can understand me more sometimes…”
On whether he would like to dedicate something to people who came from other areas under adverse weather conditions: “I thank the people who come. Especially outside of Athens. This stage has a unique energy. All we must not do is doubt. Before I was a player I was a fan. And as a fan I never hired a player. This energy is transmitted. Yesterday I was looking at all these comments and putting myself in the shoes of the players. I have a story in football… I used to put myself in their place and say how hard what is written and heard is. We are used to it! Of course, I feel very connected to the world of AEK. I enjoy the stadium full. I can assure you that both myself and my staff all experience it equally strongly. And one last thing: There is a phrase that I read in the Bible: “Happy are those who believe without having to see”.
-For the management of Galanopoulos: “This time I will make an individual comment: When we came Galanopoulos was coming from an injury that you know better. He is a player with perception and quality among the best. We’re trying to manage him as his ankle allows, so that whenever he’s called upon to help the team, he doesn’t suffer. And he really enjoys it. When the matches are over, it might take a little longer to recover than the rest. He is a great player.”
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