Almeida annoyed by the criticism: “When you have doubts, then you make changes”

His discomfort with those who harshly criticized him and her AEK after the 4-0 that became 4-3 in the first match against Inter d’Escaldes, Matias Almeida appeared at the press conference ahead of the rematch in Andorra. The Argentinian coach, in fact, emphasized that if someone has doubts about his work, then maybe there should be changes.

“The thoughts we have always follow the same path. It’s a process where everything is open and obviously we’ve come here to qualify. I believe that humility is often lacking. When we played Brighton, we were eleven against eleven. Why change that thinking when the opposition is not Brighton, but we are still playing eleven against eleven?“, he initially reported.

“Every day football disappoints me more. For 65 minutes we did things perfectly and then the game ended 4-3 due to our own mistakes and some strong points from the opposition. But we showed that we could have scored many more goals. We missed a penalty, we were awarded a penalty which with VAR might not have been awarded and we finished the game with a win. The match could have been different, but it’s eleven against eleven“, he added and then made his… outburst in soft tones.

“I am starting and learning about the changes that are taking place in relation to the administration. At the same time I understand and observe the change of opinions. If these 20 minutes can change someone’s view and there are doubts about these two years or the end of last season, that makes me think a lot. Football analysis should be in more depth. I believe at this point that we will be able to get through, because I want to always be positive. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to be a coach. If I had any doubts, I wouldn’t be a coach at AEK. When there are doubts on the part of others, you feel offended and when there are many questions, changes are made. When there is doubt about a coaching staff, changes should be made. We have been here for two years and a few months and every day we deposit passion, work and respect. Sometimes with successes, sometimes with mistakes, now with two titles that we have won, with a season where in the last match everything was decided as it was last year, so all this shows that we have turned AEK into a competitive team. Anyone in doubt should take action. We will continue to work to win and have a calm racing season“, he pointed out.

“People are always free to say what they think, because they pay a ticket. My perspective and my way of working is the same from day one until now. I only have one face. I work to win, to improve, knowing that mistakes can be made, but our results so far have been much more positive than negative. The world is always important to us and I will continue to think the same“, concluded.

Regarding the many absences of AEK ahead of the rematch, he said:I trust the footballers who are good. It’s always better to have them all available, but when things happen, like a virus, it’s not up to us. Imagine what the word COVID does to me. I lost my father to this and it makes me feel terrible and I don’t even want to say that word. As long as I have players available, I continue to think the same».

Asked if he was worried about the pitch’s hybrid pitch, he replied: “No. We are 11 against 11. The footballer must adapt to any surface he will be asked to play on. Most of us started playing on clay. This pitch is better than… dirt and maybe the pitch is better than ours».

Finally, regarding AEK’s approach to the match, he said:My thought is always the same, whether we play Inter D’Escaldes or Inter Milan. So I repeat, who are they who underestimate the opponent? Us or those who expect to score 15 goals? Humility is very important in life. It’s a beautiful thing. It is a difficult word to achieve in this world».