More in a while…
In detail, Matias Almeida spoke about:
-those who argue that AEK will appear rested due to winning the championship:
“Good Evening. After winning the championship we gave the players two days off. And after them, what we aim for is winning the Cup and if I’m not mistaken in the total of 100 years he has won it twice. We’ve talked a lot, we’ve trained hard and considering the opponent, what we want is to play the final and win it».
– to what extent the efforts of the players will be affected by the absence of the crowd, something that also happened in AEK’s defeat by PAS in Ioannina:
“I think the one who loses is football. We are going to play a final and fiestas are the celebration of football. Regarding the footballers and us, due to the corona virus we are used to playing without an audience. There won’t be a physical presence of our own world, but we know it will be somewhere to support us. Both us and the opponent want the trophy».
-that AEK will face PAOK for the 5th time this year and how different this match will be:
“All matches are different. We don’t have an advantage. We are facing a difficult opponent, which is why we are both teams in the final. I don’t want to look back, the games have to be played. They always play eleven, the team that wins it will be the one that has the biggest desire».
-whether they have prepared for the possibility of penalties:
“The truth is, we’re always working on them, but you can never plan anything. 90 minutes and extra time always precede the penalties. There will also be changes. Before the penalties, there are also the changes. I have confidence in children. Then, penalties are also about luck».
-what he will say to the players before the game:
“I never plan what I will say in a speech. I wait for the moment and tell them what I feel from my heart. So I think it’s more believable than having a monologue prepared. There are many reasons to come out and fight for this cup. The first that AEK has won two doubles while next year completes 100 years of history. In other words, there is a historical motivation. And the second is that he has lost three finals against PAOK. It gives all of us in the AEK family extra motivation to give that little bit more. Maybe tomorrow I will come up with something more interesting to tell them».
– the persons he will use in the eleven:
“Nothing is certain yet. But in half an hour you can know her. There are good informants (s.s. laughing). That’s why I’ll wait until the end to surprise them and not have something on your hands».
-Sergio Araujo (asked to describe him):
“I think Sergio has shown the philosophy we had as a team. Love, union, giving your best, professionalism. He is hurt because he has a dry head, because he always wanted to be present. A coach appreciates that. With his self-sacrifice, he stuck to the others as well. Then, on a personal level, he is a tremendous person, with tremendous values. He was one of the many fighters we had in the team. And Sergio and his teammates gave everything they had, that’s why we got to win the league and that’s why we’re here for the Cup. I have said it before, I feel grateful to the players, I feel proud to coach that group, because they have given everything. Coincidentally, it was very difficult to set up the team, because we as coaches have to talk and prepare all the players and those who will play and those who will be on the bench. Having played football, we all want to play, sometimes we are fair, sometimes not, the most important thing is that the whole group has understood that we work as a group».
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.
