After AEK’s demanding game in Belgium against Underlecht, Marco Nikolic He stood in the difficulties of the match, stressing the importance of the tie and the battle that remains “open” to the rematch.
He referred to the weaknesses presented by the team in the first part, but also to the improvement he showed, underlining the need to reinforce the center, but without … sitting to cry, as he typically stressed.
Despite the absences and problems, he expressed confidence in his roster, while recognizing the potential and character shown by the players. Finally, he stood on his return Eliasson with goals and managing the status of Jovic.
In detail what he said:
In his original position he said: “It was a difficult match, with a strong pace and amazing atmosphere. Thanks to our great friends. Initially it was as if we didn’t play in the first minutes. The match was intense. We didn’t start well, we had no concentration, but we had two very good times with Zini and Gatsinovic and many great interventions with Strakosa. In the second part the game balanced, we manage to leave with the tie. Now we are back in Athens, we have the match in the league on Sunday and after the rematch. It’s 50-50 still qualifying. In the first part there was no balance in center and attack. Two of the three lines did not work well. But in the second part we improved. ”
Why did he change the rhombus, despite the fact that he gives him defensive stability as he said: “We missed some players. We want two more additions. We also have two losses for Gatsinovic and Jovic. When we use the quality in the roster we can manage the matches. We were playing against Anderlecht, an excellent team. The 17 -year -old de Kat in the center, with players such as Azar and Dolberg. We need to show respect and proper decision making. ”
Whether he thinks that a player with suspense would give him more consistency in the center in the first half: “Yes, we need such a player. It’s no secret. There will not be rematch, of course, and we have already played four matches without him. We want a player strong in Physical Game and offer ball recovery, with different features. We will discuss this at the end of the transfer period. I will not sit down to cry, we play with these players and we will fight. ”
On how important it is for the character of the group the fact that it stood up again: “Yes. We have a team in a transitional phase, with new players. Since we didn’t lose it is positive. If you don’t lose you have more chances for qualifying. But the level must rise. We were competitive, but we have to improve and play without dead intervals. ”
Whether the elimination of Mandalus and his absence in rematch affect his plans: “He’s a quality player. He came in and gave confidence. We took possession of the ball and gave consistency. We will not have him in the rematch, but we will find solutions, we will not sit down to cry. ”
For the return of Eliason who scored and if Jovic will be available on Sunday or in the rematch: “We work to be well prepared by Lucas. He felt a little discomfort and we had to take care of him. We were definitely missing. I am very happy for Eliasson who scored. It has enormous potential and awesome features. Everything has to do with the subject of mentality, but I am very happy to have returned and scored. “.
Source: Sport Fm
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