Almeida: “We came for victory and first place and we succeeded”

Satisfied that the AEK accomplished her mission victory in Volos (0-1) Matias Almeida was introduced. The Argentine coach appeared happy with the level of concentration of his players, while praising the presence of Pineda and Mohammadi.

What he said in detail at the press conference:

About the game: “It was a difficult and tough game where from the first moment of the first minute we went in to win. We could and scored quickly and then had control of the ball but not a lot of space in the final third of the pitch. We kept our concentration so as not to be threatened and we sought to score another goal to be more calm”

On whether the team had a rally: “I think that today we managed to get what we were looking for. We came to chase first place. We came to chase the victory from the first minute. The players kept their composure and concentration because when an opponent plays so far back, a lot of space is created at our back. We were very focused on how we marked the opponents when we attacked. These games are closed, difficult and can create dangers. We came to get the three points and that’s what we achieved.”

For Pineda: “I really like Mexican footballers, I was almost three years in Mexico, I know how they work and how they think. I am grateful to this country for that. I started training Pineda when he was 19 years old. He had then joined the team as a 6-8 man. I saw in the national team that he played on the sides and in the center. Orbelin is happy, happy when he is training and when he is playing ball. He is always loved. He has great humility. He has, for me, a very good feature, that whether he is playing with his friends, or the hardest game, he will play it the same way. When he got money he asked me what he should do. I told him he should buy a house. He asked me if he should take a car and I told him if it has a kitchen and a bathroom, let him take it. I told you this story because Pineda is still the same, since then, he has not changed at all. In the football part I told you he plays the same way. I know how he thinks, I know where he has grown up and how he has grown up and I know that he is a fighter for life. He is a player who can play anywhere on the field and… change. If I put him at right back he will stand, if I put him at nine he will do what he has to do. Obviously, through the possibilities it has, some will do better and some others will not. He will give everything anyway”

On Mohammadi’s return: “He did well because it’s not easy to play after such a long time. Today there were some moments that were good and some others that didn’t have the same rhythm. But we are happy with his image.”

For Volos: “I respect all opponents, but it’s quite difficult for me to speak for a team when I’m not their coach. What I have to say is that they treated us pretty well and they have a beautiful pitch.”