Almeida: “The day I’m not clear about what went wrong and what needs to be done, I won’t be able to be here anymore”

Statements ahead of AEK’s home match against Bulleton Wednesday (3/1, 19:00), granted by Matias Almeida.

The “two-headed” coach initially, wishing for the new year, spoke in the best words about his and his team’s experience in Greece.

Referring to his team’s two consecutive defeats before the holidays (against Panaitolikos and Panserraikos), he did not want to dwell on the absences. He also emphasized the competitive elements, in which “Enosas” stands out, such as how many times it steps on the territory or the opportunities it creates in relation to its competitors.

“The idea and the way we think to respect this shirt is exactly the same (…). The day I’m not clear about what went wrong and what needs to be done, I won’t be able to be here anymore.”“, he underlined.

In detail, the statements of Matias Almeidas on Cosmote TV:

His wishes for 2024 and if he would like to achieve with AEK something similar to what he achieved in 2023.



“I take advantage of the moment to greet all of Greece. We have been seeing this beautiful country for 1.5 years. Both the technical staff and our families feel very comfortable. I wish 2024 to be a year of joy, happiness, harmony. And hopefully in the football part we can celebrate something similar to 2023! We continue to work with even more enthusiasm. After 1.5 years of being together, it seems like the team has a certain way of playing. Sometimes the game may turn out better, sometimes we may make mistakes. But the idea and the way we think about respecting this jersey is exactly the same. We have exactly the same commitment, the same respect for every opponent we face. And the same desire to want to win. It’s football».

For AEK’s points losses against Panaitolikos and Panserraikos, even if the absence of eight football players from these matches played a role, a large number.



“No… We have worked competitively as a team and the team had some good games. We lost some points either because of the value of the opponent or because of our own mistakes. But this, too, is a lesson. But those who participated gave everything on the field. And as long as we have players coming back from injuries, some of whom have been out for a long time, the competition between them will increase. The team kept many points. It is a team that more than the rest set foot in the opponent’s territory. A team that has created the most scoring opportunities. One of the teams, along with others, that had the most control of the game. So overall, the team is competing well. Obviously, we are never happy when we lose the points we lost. But this is football, it’s not like working in theatre, which is about… drama, that’s art. Here we have to look forward, to correct what went wrong. And to continue to improve, through work on the roster, because we have a very good roster. We have good footballers, we have a technical staff with a lot of appetite to keep improving. We have lost points, we have also won points. But our opponents, who are direct contenders, have also lost points. That’s why we’re all constantly three-four degrees apart».

For the fact that it seems from his words that he is quite clear in his mind and what went wrong, but also what needs to be done from now on.

“The day I don’t get it clear, it will mean I can’t be here anymore. I have a very clear idea of ​​where I want to go, where I want us to go as a team. But it’s a reality: you can train or work, struggle and things don’t go your way on the field. But he must persevere until he wins the bet. Also, it’s a shame that the new year doesn’t find us with full stadiums. I have observed it, I have analyzed it and it is really a loss for Greek football».

On the absences of Hadjisafi, Mohammadi, Mukudi and Zini and how he plans to fill the gap on the left side of the defence.



“The truth is that there are many footballers who leave. Right now these events happen to fall. Hadjisafi and Mohammadi are two players who play in the same position. For Zini it is the beginning and we are slowly getting him involved with the team. Mukudi played almost all the games last year, this year he is also involved a lot. But it has an immediate replacement. We will try to do our best».

For the game against Volos.



“Like all games, it’s hard. All teams always play against the last champion, having an extra incentive. We respect them. We try to analyze them and find their strengths and weaknesses. It will be a difficult match, like everything, the truth is that the team has worked well these days.

We have an appetite».