An interview with a Dutch Media about AEK’s draw in the Europa League – and not only – granted by Nordin Amrabad.
The 36-year-old midfielder said that his dream is to play in the Champions League groups, but in the end he is happy, while he also talked about himself and how he keeps himself in excellent physical condition.
He also added that he wanted Ajax as an opponent of the “Union”, as well he has not defeated him at the “Johan Cruyff Arena”.
His statements in detail:
“It’s a challenge to face teams like that because that’s why you play football. To compete in stadiums like the Johan Cruyff Arena and the Velodrome. I prefer playing against such teams than facing Karabagh or LASK, with all due respect. To be honest, I was hoping we would go down with Ajax, because I have never beaten them in the Arena in my entire career. Hopefully we can get points there.
The elimination was bittersweet, but from the bottom of my heart I wish both Van Bommel and Offermars the best. It is very impressive what they have achieved in such a short time. It would have been fair to have won, with the chances we created, but the stronger team doesn’t always win. It was a dream to play in the Champions League at the age of 36, but I’m happy anyway with the draw we had. Let’s spend the winter in the Europa League, otherwise in the Conference League. We have a good team and we will now see how we can stand at the European level.
For me Brighton are the favorites in this group. I have seen them in England several times last season. They play good football and changes and high intensity. It’s a really strong team. Also I think Marseille are strong and I’m really curious about Ajax. I played against Josip Soutalo in the Champions League play-offs. He is a very good, strong and fast defender who will help Ajax.
I find it difficult to say anything meaningful about Ajax, because I don’t know all the transfers they made and all the players who left. I have seen that Ajax have acquired quite a few foreign players. If they all do well and perform well in the Europa League, then their value will double, as is usually the case with Ajax players. Otherwise it will be a bad purchase. I think there is a risk involved in this, because Ajax always rely on talented players coming from within the team and emerging. Now Ajax is taking a different direction, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. We’ll see how it goes.
I don’t really have a secret. I train hard, take care of myself, and rest well. I believe it has to do with the organization as well. I hope I can show against Ajax that I can still play good football. The Dutch follow me a lot, so it’s a good time to show what I can still do.”
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.
