Almeida: “Let’s see the same appetite from the players”

To see his players with the same appetite in the game with OFI as in the last matches of the team, Matias Almeida pointed out in his statements to Cosmote TV. The AEK coach emphasized that he expects a difficult game and pointed out the need for his team to impose its pace and get another important victory.

Matias Almeida’s statements in detail ahead of AEK’s match with OFI…



You told us that your team reacts to difficult times. Was the two games against Aris a good first reaction after the defeat by Olympiakos?



“I think it was a sample. We showed that there was a reaction. And I believe that for any team, like us, this particular one would be a good reaction after such a derby defeat.”

Do you see the benefit of qualifying for the Cup as double, in the sense that you stay within a key target, but also add two more games to manage players’ playing time?



“The first and most important thing is that we continue in the Cup. And since there are more games, then also in the group there are more chances for everyone to participate. When the roster is big, it’s a profit to continue in both competitions.”

Tomorrow, AEK will compete in a venue where they were defeated last year. How do you perceive the game against OFI at this particular moment in time?



“All games are difficult. We played one of our worst games on this pitch. I am referring to last year’s game, because the year before last we had a good match. It’s been good for us, it’s been bad for us. We know we are facing an opponent who is strong at home, but we will try to impose our game.”

What data do you want to see from your players?



“Let’s keep seeing what we’re trying to do. What we do in training, what we work on. And let’s see the same appetite that the football players show”.