Almeida: “We may be used to winning and every draw seems like a loss, but it’s not like that”

In a game that went into a frenzy and took a two-goal lead, the AEK she did not manage to manage the score in her favor and came to a draw 2-2 with Panaitolikos for the 14th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League.

At the press conference, Mr Matias Almeidastated that the Union played its game and was superior, stressing that it is a good path while underlining that: “we may be used to winning and every draw feels like a loss but it’s not like that».

In detail, the statements of Matias Almeida at the press conference:

On whether he thinks that AEK lacked a clear mind despite controlling the match: “We started well, with a goal. We were aggressive, dynamic, fast, we led 0-2 and the opponent was waiting. As the minutes went by we were losing the rhythm of the game. Another penalty came and the game was open. In the second half we continued to be in control, we tried to score another goal. Football is like that, in the few opportunities the opponent had they took advantage of it. It’s something that has happened in several matches, many actions to score, where if we took advantage of them mainly in the first half we would end the game earlier».

On what he thinks he needs to focus on more than what he saw and what worries him: “We have to keep working on the finishing touches. We came here to win. The team did what they had to do, pressed, stole balls, put the opposition in their own half, controlled the match, had more corners, had clear phases to score and you have to continue like that. We are on the right track, we may be used to winning and every draw seems like a loss but it is not like that. Against us is an opponent and a coach who studies the game and players who give their maximum. Every time a team gets a draw they celebrate it as a victory. Is normal. We have to continue on the same path and know that we have to finish these matches earlier and lock them. There are always things to fix. We will try to finish in 2023 and be among the first».

On the differences he saw regarding Panaitolikos compared to the first round match: “I analyze my own team first of all. The difference was one goal. In this one we put two, in the previous one we put three. If we had scored three today we would probably have won. Panaitolikos has changed the way he plays. After the draw he gains confidence. After the equalization, he pressed the area more. The opponent played their own game and I respect that. We came to do our thing which we achieved in the first part. We tried for the win until the end, but that also has to do with the competition in the league, which is getting better. On the other hand, of course, we must continue to improve and understand that games end until the referee blows his whistle.».

On how AEK should manage it psychologically: “We must operate in the same way. It doesn’t change anything for me depending on the result. We devote the same time, the same passion, the same love and the same respect to the opponent. Mistakes can help us fix that, but if we had converted the chances into goals this press conference would have lasted two minutes. If we analyze the game, AEK was superior. We have to stick to our way of playing like last year. Last year we were nine points behind at this time. Compared to last year we have improved. I will always try to find the bright side in difficult times. The day I don’t feel that way I will devote myself to something else».

On whether there are player returns that he expects in view of Panseraikos: “We came trying to make some changes, some who were out came back. The games were consecutive. It would be easy to come here and use excuses. We always play the same style as those available. We have another game in two days. There is no time either to work or to make many changes. There are some things we do very well, in others there is something wrong. Mukudi asked me to change because of a sore ankle. These are things that happen».