Almeida: “One of the best moments of my life – If he was alive, my father would be in the stands”!

As one of the best moments of his life will be the one he will live with the celebrations for winning the title, Matias Almeida said at the press conference, while making a touching reference to his father, who has passed away…

His statements in detail…

For what AEK has achieved this year:

“Thank you very much for your words. Today we are happy, we are now in first place and it depends on us. This journey started quite some time ago and it really has been beautiful to go through but also difficult. It was competitive and I could tell every coach not to miss the opportunity to come and train in Greece because the world lives for it. We have taken a big step but this whole journey is not over. God willing, may I be able to stay a long time. The dream I’ve had since the day I arrived I wish to be completed on Sunday.”

For the extremely advantageous position in which his team is, how he will manage it even if he was watching the progress of the match in “Karaiskaki”.



“We came here to win the game. Before the match I told my players that we do a specific exercise in training called ‘reaction when you lose the ball’. And we had to react because we had to win. So our energy was solely in our own way of playing. None of the staff knew how the other game was going because I didn’t want to know. When the game was ending and I had two changes I made another move and at that moment Omar came and told me that our opponent is losing. It was the worst ten minutes. Then when the game ended, I felt happy but nothing ended. You never have a birthday before. We have an opponent to face whom we must respect. It is the first time that we are dependent only on ourselves. I know I’m going to have one of the best moments of my life. It’s been a while since I’ve had a victory lap and I’d like the game to be played tomorrow. It is my first time in Europe and my choice to come to AEK is successful. It fills my soul to see my team compete. I’m happy but there are ninety minutes left. That’s how I do it. I’ve had fun in the wins and hopefully I’ve learned from the losses. I want to keep improving.

– for the… panic



“I’ve been through different clubs and I’ve always had a good relationship. My arrival in Greece as a stranger made an impression on some and for me it is the best thing that there is an identification of the world with the team. We always like to be remembered with good memories and love and not cursed. I carry my father’s last name and when I hear it I can’t help but be moved. Certainly my father would be in the stands but I think it will be a stand which will be more intense and I get a lot of energy from there.”

To make a comparison of the previous titles



“Unfortunately, every time I was close to a conquest I had to suffer a lot. But that’s my life. She’s always been complicated. But I’m grateful but someday I’d like to be a little more relaxed. If I can put a hierarchy, this experience of mine in Greece makes me enjoy the different places I am. I don’t focus exclusively on football but I can and do mix in society and feel it. Of all the countries I have been to, for the first time I feel so close to the country. Your country is beautiful, with a great culture and I enjoy my time in Greece and being the coach of AEK and giving this life experience to my daughters. Professionally, I really wish to get this title. From the first day I came and visited the stadium which was not finished. I just want the next matchday to come quickly.”

In his mentality and for the goal of the Cup.



“My priority is to see the team play as they train. The Championship was fairly even. After my father’s death I started to see life in a different way which is to always keep a middle line in the way I handle situations. I’ve learned now, nearing 50, that there are things I can change and things I can’t. So I try to spend energy on things I can change. I said from the beginning that I want to be Champion. Football is played as a team and so far I have proven that I believe in the team. I tried to turn this group into a racing family. I hope we can celebrate it with a victory on Sunday and I hope football gives this condition that I don’t believe in the egocentric part of football. I don’t believe you should chase ultimate success on your own. It is up to us to work as well as possible on a daily basis. Until today I am calm.”

His message to Sergio Araujo…



“I talk to Sergio more than my wife. I talk before and after games. He’s my leader.”

For Van Weert’s performance.



“Yes, he was angry that he hadn’t played. A lot of times players use the coach as a punching bag, that happens with coaches but that’s my job. I gave him the explanations. I told him that a footballer never knows who will score the most important goal. He had some injuries that did not allow him to train at the pace he would have liked. I used to be a football player and I didn’t like being lied to. So I think when I tell them the truth they get it. This is the only way for me to be calm too.”

In his recent study of Samurai life.



“I have entered into a process of analyzing the life of the Samurai and realized that it is something deeper than the film. I focus on the basic code of life as far as my personal life is concerned and it’s quite difficult to do that.”