Almeida: “I always make changes, I have 30 players and I want to give them time – The win and the three points are important”

THE Matias Almeida spoke at the press conference after win of AEK in Peristeri against Atromitos, stressing that he did not see any particular differences in his team’s performance compared to the match against Aris a few days ago for the Cup.

It was also mentioned on many changeswhich he does, as he said he always makes extensive changes, because everyone wants to play and in general he is satisfied.

For the good suspension function of AEK in yet another game: “We played a good and hard game. We had a chance to open the scoring at the end of the first half. We had some more chances in the first half with Mandalo’s shot. We were in control, knowing that the opponent was playing well. We came to get the victory and we did it».

On the changes to the lineup and what he was looking for from the start of the match based on his analysis of the opponent: “All games have changes. Amrabat’s replacement for Eliasson was in the same position. The change of Jonsson with Pereira was to create more cohesion in the center. The change of Levia with Pieros, same position with different characteristics. Ljubicic’s switch to Mandalo was for a slight annoyance to Peter. And Callens’ change at the end was because the opponent was playing with two forwards. I’ve been repeating something since the first day I’ve been here. I always make changes, I have 30 players and I want to give them time. We beat Aris and today with another eleven we beat Atromitos. I have players out again. The changes are to give possibilities to the group. There doesn’t seem to be much difference between them. It is important because we won two games».

On whether he is troubled by the fact that he is not getting more goals from his team: “We always like to see goals. But we are talking about football. In some matches we created many chances and they asked me why we didn’t score goals. In some others we have beaten we have created fewer phases. The important thing is not to concede goals. If we look at our numbers, in the majority we have scored. When we don’t concede goals, it’s important. First I think we have to win. With 1-0, with… half a zero, that’s three points. We had three matches to win in the championship, in an equivalent championship. I see the rest of the contenders where similar things happen. The important thing is the three points. We regardless of the result, the system and the idea are the same. To be a competitive team, looking for victory».

For the convincing reaction of AEK with two victories and for the appearance of Mandalos: “In every game we tried to get what we wanted. I am very firm in what I think. Football is a sport where constantly there is doubt. It’s a step forward for me as a coach. In the previous game, the crowd showed me their support. This means that people understand football and don’t believe what they say. Petros was injured when he fired the second shot. He played a good game. He had a very good connection with Martial, he had mobility, he had clear thinking with the ball and what we want is to shoot from outside the area. Too bad he got hurt, hope it’s nothing».