Alderweireld: “We respect AEK a lot, but we want to go to Athens with a good result”

In the respect they have in Antwerp for AEK, stood o Toby Alderweireld.

The experienced stopper of Greece’s doubles opponent in the Champions League Playoffs spoke at the press conference ahead of the first match, on Tuesday (22/8, 22:00) in Antwerp, where he explained that his team wants to go to Athens with a good result.

In detail, Toby Alderweireld talked about:

-the challenge of the Champions League groups: “It’s something we’ve been working on for a whole year. When I signed here last year, I wanted us to be able to play in the Champions League. We want to go through the groups, but it will definitely be difficult. It makes sense that there is a lot of pressure. I don’t have to tell my teammates. Everyone knows they will have to be at their best to win».

– the transfer of Avila to Ajax: “I don’t understand anyone who leaves here (laughter). Okay, it’s a good step for him. It is understandable. Too bad for us if he leaves. We have a plan as a team, but the players also have their own plan. That’s part of football. For me it is something special to compete in the Champions League, in my city with my family by my side, even if I had the advantage of hearing the anthem several times in my career».

-the loss of points in the recent 1-1 with Leuven for the championship: “Both tomorrow’s match and next week’s match are special. It’s like a cup match».

-whether he can compare a possible qualification of Antwerp to the Champions League groups with the final he had reached with Atlético Madrid: “It’s hard to compare them. Personally, I would put them side by side. The journey we have made with Antwerp means a lot to me».

-which team is the favorite in the pair: “It is difficult to make estimates. We will do everything to qualify, first with our plan and then with the support of our fans. We respect AEK a lot, but we want to go to Athens with a good result».