Pineda: “Every match from now on is a final, we must be completely focused”

Statements ahead of the big derby between AEK and Panathinaikos were made by Orbelin Pinedastressing that every game until the end of this season is a “final”, while he made it clear that he and his teammates must be completely focused against the “greens”, so that in the end they can all celebrate together like a fist.

Orbelin Pineda’s statements to Cosmote TV in detail:

For the way AEK reacted and managed to win against Aris.

We knew it would be a difficult match and that Aris would try to play his game. We knew how important it was to enter well to win it. In the first half maybe we didn’t do so well, but then we had to turn the score around. So we all together made an effort and succeeded.

On whether the game against Panathinaikos is “final”.

I’ve said it again, every game for us is special, every game is a final. So this is also a very important game. Because now we are playing the last games in the playoffs. So, it’s another final, just like the previous ones. What we have to do is to be completely focused in order to be able to get what we want. Because in this phase we are in, every match is very important. So, yes, it’s a final.

As for whether the three previous matches against Panathinaikos have any influence in view of tomorrow’s derby.

We know the way Panathinaikos plays. We know that in the previous games things were complicated for us. What I’m saying is that we play eleven against eleven. What we have to do is let everyone do their own work. And whichever team has the best playing behavior will ultimately walk away with what they want.

For the good tradition he has “built” against Panathinaikos, scoring against them both last year and this year.

The most important thing for all of us is to aim to win, regardless of who scores. If this is done, the whole team will be very happy, we will all have fun, we will all celebrate like a fist. So the important thing is that we all help the team try to win and whoever scores, the goal will be welcome.