Almeida for Martial: “Two can be combined in the attack, maybe… four”!

Speaking to Cosmote TV ahead of her match AEK with Athens Kallithea, o Matias Almeida commented on the image that the neophytes make on the field, saying characteristically how “It is a team that gives the impression that it has been in the big category for a long time. They have a smart coach”.

Regarding him Anthony Martialis waiting for him in the team’s training from the new week, since he wants to see the level of the player’s physical condition, while, he said that “in the position the footballer plays, ways will be found to be able to combine two footballers at the same time in the attack”.

Detailed statements of Matias Almeidas on Cosmote TV:

Before the game with Volos, given the absences, you had told us that the only thing we wanted was victory. Does the same apply against Athens Kallithea, given that you will have many absences against them as well?

The goal is always to win. Regardless of whether we always have the footballers all available or not, our mentality is to try for the three points.

You will face a team that caused problems for both Olympiakos and Panathinaikos. How do you rate it?

A team that, although promoted this year, gives the impression that it has been in the big league for a long time. They have managed to create a team that is equal in all its lines. With a system that they seem to know how to play.

That means they have a smart coach. And with footballers in each line, who despite having different characteristics from each other can exploit their potential almost perfectly.

Speaking earlier about absences, it’s never a pleasant situation for a coach. But is it also an opportunity for those you choose to fight, take advantage and try to hold on to the position?

The truth is that every footballer must take advantage of the moments he is called upon to play. Competition, I believe, is born through training. There have been players who have had a fitness problem, other footballers who have a virus. And there are also positions, in which we have two or three footballers, who happen to be unwell at the same time.

Anthony Martial has been an AEK footballer for a few days now. I would like your feedback.

We all know the quality of the footballer. We hope and expect that he will be able to adapt quickly especially to his physical condition. He has been training alone for quite some time. There are some fitness tests to see what level he is at and how far he can go. We hope to see him in training with the rest of the team next week.

You have told us for a long time that the roster is large and that there are many footballers. The reasoning behind the acquisition of Martial is that when such an opportunity presents itself to a Greek team, it cannot let it go unexploited?

He is in the team because this opportunity has now been found. He is here because a very big effort was made by the club to bring him. Certainly in the position the footballer plays, ways will be found to be able to combine two footballers at the same time in the attack. And then, yes, there are many footballers in some positions, but now they are the players and they know the rules.

One clarification: do you mean that there is a possibility that we will see AEK at some point this year playing with two strikers?

We might play with… four (laughter included)! You never know (laughter)!