Almeida: “Let’s score more goals to gain years of life”

In the many opportunities she wasted AEK Matias Almeida focused after the victory over Ares in “Vikelidis”. The Argentinian coach described Wednesday’s match against Panathinaikos as very big, but noted that it is not a final, since the games that follow will be equally important. At the same time, he glorified Nordin Amrabat, stating that he is performing better than ever in the two and a half years he has been with the team. In detail, he talked about:

-AEK’s victory with an upset: “I think during the first half we had some chances, the opponent also. We were in control but Ares was dangerous. With a shot from mid-range, another shot from inside the area and we conceded a second ball goal from a corner. We didn’t properly end the phases we created. In the second half we continued on the same line and took advantage of our two chances. In this season, all games are difficult.”

– the fact that AEK scored only 2 times in 27 finals: “It’s always important to create phases. The most important thing is to score one more goal than the opponent. It would be good for our own peace of mind to score more, but from both sides, the two goalkeepers made important interventions. Chances happen in football. A few days ago Real played against Manchester City. I don’t know how many finals Manchester City created. If all the chances were scored then the match would end 82-83, 95-97. Of course, it’s good to score more goals because that way we will gain more years of life (laughs)”

-whether the players have the same finishes in training and matches: “Even I can score in training, there is no crowd or pressure. We came here to look for the three points, we leave with the three points, that’s what counts. We could have been better at the end but I have no complaints about the boys, they gave their souls. Here we are, there is no time for work. We have to go back to Athens, rest and prepare for the next match. We must not forget that we have scored more times than last year. Of course, we have conceded more goals. I have told you about the short sheet. You cover your head and your feet are uncovered.”

-whether the match with Panathinaikos has the character of a final: “The remaining matches are finals. Last season we played until the last game. They are games that will write and influence history. It doesn’t mean that if someone wins a game they get the championship. We have to play all the games and we’ll see who wins in the end.”

– the referee’s decisions: “Everyone is complaining. Sometimes something will be blown in your favor, other times against you. I’m here to help football, I’ve said it before. There must be confidence in the good intention of the referee. I can’t say, let’s say, that when we reached the opponent’s goal 27-28 times, the referee is to blame. I believe in good faith and I know that people make mistakes. On the pitch I protest because that’s how football is. But I don’t want to speak badly about someone and it’s not right.”

-the 100 entries of Amrabad and the world: “100 appearances in a team is a lot. I see the best Amrabad since I came. Amrabad’s last 1.5 months has been the best version of himself. It was only fair that he scored in his 100 games. He is one of those people who is always there in difficult times. He is 37 years old and he is fighting, he is fighting. He has earned all this by himself because I do not give place to anyone. As for his message to the world, it’s normal for him to be on the field. The world is always there and we feel the energy it transmits to us. He was with us yesterday when we were leaving to travel. They have accompanied us on many occasions and what we are doing is returning the love to the world, giving our sweat for this shirt.”