Being the connecting link between Panathinaikos and Villarreal, o Aitor Candalapiedrafor which reason, he was invited to talk about tomorrow’s (21/09) match between the two teams for the 7th group of this year’s Europa League.
With the Spanish winger of the “greens” speaking to the “AS” newspaper, pointing out both the thirst of everyone in the team for a European success, and the… difficulties that the “yellow submarine” will encounter in the OAKA!
Of course, Aitor made it clear that Villarreal is the favorite for the first place in the group, he noted that it is better for Panathinaikos that it achieves it at the given time, while he also focused on the utilization of the home ground, in terms of qualifying for the next phase…
His interview in detail:
-Your team is facing Villarreal, how do you see this match?
“I was at Villarreal for a season and a half. It was a time I really enjoyed, although I had to leave and then it was a long road. I’m happy to be here in Greece now and I’m looking forward to Thursday’s game.”
-You scored a few days ago and you join the team again. How do you feel?
“After the injury I had, I had a long way to go, but this weekend I was able to compete and score a goal (in the 5-0 win over Panaitolikos), which took a lot of weight off me” .
-How are you preparing for Thursday’s game?
“We really want to play well against a big team like Villarreal and do that in such an important European competition.”
-This year you stayed at the threshold of the Champions League, how does that leave you?
“We couldn’t get past the last round of the Champions League qualifiers, but we managed to knock out Marseille and Dnipro. Against Marseille it was an excellent series of games. At home we were very good and we suffered there, but we managed to qualify”.
-How does Panathinaikos expect Villarreal?
“I think we have a very good team, with quality players and we have been with the same coach for a long time. I think we are a very competitive team.”
-And what kind of game is waiting for your former team?
“Villarreal is waiting for a stadium full of fans who will constantly cheer on their team. They are very passionate here. We really want to play and do big things in Europe. So we know we have to start well in the group stage. And what better than to do it against a team like Villarreal…”.
-You already know that Villarreal is in the middle of a change in its technical leadership. How do you value this in your team?
“I think it’s better for us that we’re facing her now as she’s just made the coaching change. It’s better to play them now while they’re still digesting his ideas, than when they’re already in a good game rhythm. Because after the roster and their game will be much more automated…”.
-Your opinion on this year’s Villarreal?
“I think the favorite in the group is Villarreal. But it is true that it is a very difficult group, since all four teams are good and compete well. We know that home games are the most important. So the ‘key’ is to win points at home and from there see what you can get away from home.”
-Is there anyone left in the team from your time?
“From my time I think only Alonso Pedratha is left. Villarreal is a demanding team and a big team, so making the jump is not easy…”
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.
