Alonso: “Let’s be protagonists of the match – Pellistri is ready, we’ll see if he plays tomorrow or in the second leg”

At the usual press conference, he spoke Diego Alonsobefore the first match of Panathinaikos with Lance in France (22/08, 22:00) for his playoffs Conference League.

The Uruguayan coach emphasized that the “greens” must leave behind the negative result with Asteras AKTOR and focus on this very crucial matchup against a strong opponent.

At the same time, he emphasized that he has no intention of differentiating his plans in relation to the confrontations with him Ajaxbut instead use them as driverespecially regarding the passion of the “clover” football players.

Finally, comment on him Facundo Pelistriemphasizing that the newly acquired winger has prepared with the United and he is competitively ready, leaving open the possibility of using him in one of the two games against the French.

What he said in detail:

To manage the result with Asteras AKTOR: “Sunday was disappointing for us and we don’t want it to happen again. But what’s done is done, tomorrow is another story. It was for us a lesson so that we can improve. The game against Lance is very important for the club. It is no excuse if the draw could have been more forgiving. The opponent is strong, but we also think we can respond at the same level.”

For the Lance vs Ajax comparison: “The structure of the team is similar. Lance is a team with a lot of intensity and a lot more physical. Ioannidis said that Ajax have a lot of technical quality, but when Lance attack they do it with vertical balls and using a lot of players. What we can take advantage of are the spaces that may be created, but for that we have to be able to get to the opposition goal, that’s the challenge.”

On whether he aims to change plans in relation to Ajax: “The goal is not to change the plan. We will face the opponent as equal to equal and be the protagonist by controlling the match. As I said before Ajax, things depend a lot on what the opponent has to offer you. Lance is a team that pushes a lot. So we must also have pressure when we choose to attack the opponent. We will look 100% to be the protagonists and play like we did with Ajax.”

On the passion the team showed against Ajax and whether they will need something similar: “Passion is about the way you feel it and live it. I’m not just a coach because I like football, but because I have a passion for this job. When I work in a team, I always look to represent the fans as well. Because we do not only represent the club, but also the world it has. Sports fans not only want the team to win, but the coach and players to give 100% in every match. In the two games we played against Ajax, the fans applauded us and that’s why we dedicated the second game to them.”

For Pelistri: “Pelistri is here and we will see if we can use him, possibly tomorrow or in the next match. The player is ready, I had a chat with him and he did a very good physical preparation at United. He had a longer holiday period because he played in the Copa America. The work periods there are not the same as here. So we will have to adapt him to our own plan. I will ask for patience, as in the case of Tete, until this is done.”