O Sergio Araujo hosted on the channel “AEKARA forever” and talked about everything. The Argentinian striker referred to his role in the team, his captaincy, his future, the derby with PAOK and more.
In detail, Sergio Araujo spoke about:
– the match with PAOK: “It’s a pretty tough game. What we have to do is to go in to win as we do in every game, as the AEK shirt demands.”
-whether the last two results with Olympiakos and Panathinaikos affected the team psychologically: “I think they didn’t affect us psychologically. The team with Olympiakos was much superior. It has been many years since the team looked like this in a match against Olympiakos. In terms of performance, I think we were superior. In the game against Panathinaikos, the team did its best. From now on we will have to take advantage of every moment in the difficult matches that are coming so that we can get the victories. This is how I think about the next game against PAOK to get what we want”.
-if the team lacks efficiency: “Against Olympiakos, we created the most chances and didn’t get the result we wanted. We are talking about football, of course. The opponent had the goalkeeper on an excellent day. It was a matter of time when we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities. What we have to do is try to be more efficient and be focused because we create opportunities.”
-the comparison with last year’s AEK: “Compared to last year, if I compare the team, last year was a bad year. This year we are much superior and we try to give our best in every game. At some point a defeat would come. What impressed me was at the end of the game with Olympiakos, the reaction of the crowd. It was something I have never experienced before. People supported us and it was something important for us”.
– the passion he brings out in the markings: “My way of playing is specific. I consider every ball to be the last in the world to win. Every phase that is 50-50 I will go in the best way to win the ball. The day I don’t feel like doing it I will ask to leave. On Sunday I will play with the same mentality and I won’t change it at all.”
-his presence this year: “It’s better to be in some phases, even if they are contested. That means I try to help the team as much as possible. I feel that compared to last year in physical condition I am better. I run more, kick more for the betterment of the team. The unfortunate thing is that I can’t help the team that much with the goals, but this year the truth is that Levi Garcia is saving me. Last year he gave me the passes and I scored, this year it’s the opposite. I am very happy with Levi that we are helping the team. The important thing is to be efficient to help your team. Matias has shown me absolute trust and I feel even stronger. I have high confidence from this and I want to give it back to the coach.”
-his role this year: “This year, with the change of position, I am further away from goal and that’s why maybe I don’t score as often. I feel very happy with the freedom that Matias gives me to be able to move to help the team. It has happened in some games that I even find myself on the edge of the defense to cover an opponent. I appreciate it, I enjoy it and my confidence is at a high level to be able to help the team. On the other hand, I know that people want me to be able to score. Unfortunately, sometimes I don’t succeed, but I say it again, the most important thing is to help the team with the mentality of a winner”.
-how he feels as a leader: “It is true that either I am or I am not the leader, I know that Petros is the leader. He’s helped me a lot, he helps the guys in the locker room. I ask him for advice too. I would have preferred to have taken the armband in a different way and not have Petros refuse to be the captain for this year, but what I tried to do in the summer was to convince him. Since he didn’t want to, for me the armband is not a burden at all. It is a pleasure to wear. I hope in the summer I can convince him to wear it again next year.”
-whether they will lift a trophy together with Mandalo, if AEK wins it: “Sure, definitely together.”
– the atmosphere at AEK: “Almeida’s presence has helped the family atmosphere. He has done a very good job, which the management saw and that’s why they renewed his contract. Certainly Matias is an amazing person on and off the field and his presence in the locker room is excellent. As for similarities, all I can say is that every time is different. Thinking of 2018, I think of Marco. Livia was a player we played with without having to look at each other. It was a unique relationship, a special relationship that I doubt I will be able to have with anyone else. It was like playing two people together in one. So I can’t compare 2018 to now because every year is different.”
-how he feels in the new stadium: “The feeling of playing in OAKA cannot be compared to playing here. It’s true that in OPAP Arena even when you approach by bus, the feeling in every game is better and better. We enter the stadium and feel that we are playing in 60 to 70 thousand people. The heat of the world is incredible, it cannot be compared to OAKA. It feels amazing, it’s the most beautiful thing to play here. It looks like Boca’s. There when you sit on the bench it shakes, so you feel it. This is one of the best stadiums in the world and that’s why it was voted for and that’s why the Conference League final will take place here. I can’t compare it.”
-the fact that all the fans respect him: “I feel very lucky to be in Greece and to play for AEK. I see that year after year people recognize my offer and work. It pleases me to be able to exchange shirts with the opponent at the end. It gives me satisfaction. I get messages from fans of different teams and that’s something that gives me even more pleasure.”
-how he imagines the end of the season: “Let’s all be together and celebrate a trophy. Let’s all celebrate it together with the world by enjoying the moments and the effort we made throughout the season. Now if there’s pressure or not… In the last two games maybe we haven’t performed that well but I feel like the people are always there to support us and with that energy carrying us I think we’ll do well . My teammates and I have a winning mentality. We want to win and I think in the end we will be able to celebrate.”
-the future of: “I don’t know about my future yet. I have not thought of it. It doesn’t just depend on me, it also depends on the team management. I can’t make decisions on my own. But it is also a personal matter. I have a daughter, who is getting older. Now at the break of the National teams I went to see her and when I was leaving she sent me a video crying and saying “Dad you are leaving again, Dad when will you come back”. There are some things that affect you no matter how much you want to put the professional on top. We’ll see. Right now I want to be focused for the next games. I still have a one-year contract with the team, so I can’t tell you about the distant future.”
-whether he could bring his daughter to Greece: “It is true that every time my daughter comes here she tells me that she likes it very much and that she wants to stay. What I’m thinking about is next year. In Spain at least when the child is born and the first day at primary school are very important. I hope that day Matias will give me a permit so that I can accompany her. There are some personal issues that concern me. I hope Matias can give me the permits to see her.”
Watch the whole interview here:
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
