Almeida: “It hurts me that we are out of the Cup”

AEK was eliminated from the Betsson Hellenic Cup in the penalty shootout by Aris.

THE Matias Almeida he spoke at the press conference after the match, with the Argentinian coach not hiding his disappointment.

His statements in detail:

For the reasons that did not ensure qualification in the regular season as AEK had the required performance: “It is true that we played the game well. We took the lead, we controlled the race as we had planned it. After a static phase Aris scored thanks to the movement of his player.

We persisted and looked for the second goal, the players gave everything and of course in penalties we know these things happen. I want to congratulate the opponent. We must continue. Based on the picture we had we showed how much we wanted to win. It saddens me when we lose, even after the penalty shootout and thus we lose another dream, that of defending the title. Now we will focus on the championship.”

On whether Aris can play a decisive role in the development of the championship as it defeated PAOK, Panathinaikos and welcomes Olympiakos: “I shouldn’t talk about Aris, but let’s try to find the best possible way to play. It’s true that Aris has improved a lot and I’m happy for his coach and the work he’s done.”

On Vida’s final efforts in the first half, if it was by design or phase read: “We knew that if there was space our stoppers could go forward. If we switched the ball from side to side, they had the command to go inside so that we were outnumbered. Personally it gives me pleasure to see a stopper go up rather than stoppers just kicking the ball.

This game serves us. Personally, it hurts me that we stay out of the Cup. Now another part of the league starts and we have to go on and use all the footballers. It will serve us that some players with many games will be able to rest. Today they gave their souls for the qualification. But that’s football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.”

On whether AEK was affected by the absence of people in the stadiums: “We all know that our world has been de-energized and this possibility has been taken away from us. This is clearly visible. It’s a shame because even Mars is missing the world, the spectacle is being taken away from the world. There are people who feel happy when they watch a football match.”