On Sunday evening (02/04, 19:30), h AEK hosted in Toumba by PAOKin the big “Doubleheader” derby for the 2nd matchday of the Stoiximan Super League playoffs.
With his statements to Nova’s camera, the “Union” technician, Matias Almeida, he referred to Sunday’s match, but also to the faith he has in his roster and players.
At the same time, the 49-year-old coach emphasized that he feels no pressure in his work, despite the last mediocre results of the “yellow and black”.
The statements of Matias Almeidas in detail:
On how the break went and how AEK prepared: “We have tried to prepare in the best way. For two days now, all the internationals have returned from their national matches. Obviously, when you have fewer players at your disposal, the training sessions are also different.”
On whether he receives more pressure after the latest results: “I understand the word pressure in quotation marks. I come from a place where people are under pressure because they don’t have a plate of food on their table. I take football as my job. And I always want us to win. I take that responsibility. Anyone who feels pressured in football should not be in football because we do what makes us happy. We have to work to win.
I have read a lot of history lately and AEK in the last 20 years has won the championship a few times. We want to conquer it. I don’t think with pressure. I turn it around in my head and consider the play-offs a celebration of football. We are second. A lot of it has to do with strategy. I know what each player gives and our numbers as well as those of our opponents. I also know that the change in mindset has to be general.
I have a lot of confidence in the roster I have. We lost one match, we drew another and what is certain is that there can be both negative and positive results. The season will be played down to the last second. I want to say again that I don’t think that when we win we are perfect, nor that when we lose things are dramatic. We work very long hours every day. And we wish, with God’s help, that things go well.”
For the available AEK players ahead of the match against PAOK: “We have some who will stay out, others who will return. We’ll see tomorrow who we count on.”
About what AEK expects to have different compared to the previous match: “They are playing two teams that have a similar style of play. PAOK is one of the best teams in the league. I like the style of football he plays. I evaluate how much his players give their soul. We had two results with this opponent. We will try to take the positive result knowing that we will have to try to play.”
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.
