Luis Perea: “We have a chance to change the team’s streak against Hércules”
'Atlético de Madrid comes before everything'
Luis Amaranto Perea is aware that the team depends on itself to earn qualification for the Europa League. “We played two poor games and lost, changing the course of the team. Now it’s crucial to beat Hércules and Mallorca to make it to Europe. I have confidence in this group. We’re strong and I believe that we’re going to achieve it,” he stated.
The center back spoke about the state of the ‘rojiblanco’ dressing room and said that “we’re dispirited about losing a couple games that we shouldn’t have lost. Now we have a few games to turn the situation around. Mentally, we’re fine. Beyond what’s happened in the last few days, the important thing is for the team to make it to a European competition. What’s said in the dressing room stays there.”
The Colombian didn’t want to reveal the conversations held between the players and coaching staff, highlighting that “we have a lot on the line. Things can happen in any clubhouse. We have to forget about it. The important thing is reaching our goal.”
Perea doesn’t think that the squad is distracted. “You have to be ready in each match. The organization comes before everything. We have to change. We lost and now we have a chance to change the team’s direction. We can’t think about the results of our rivals in the fight for Europe. First we have to win, and then if the teams playing against our direct rivals can help us out, then that’s great,” he asserted.
Concerning this Sunday’s opponent, Hércules, Perea assured that “we have to approach this match with faith. It’s very important for the team to change our streak. Nobody will stand for being left out of Europe, not the Club or the players or the media. For the benefit of everyone, the best thing is to think about football. Hercules will try to finish up their time in the First Division in the most honest way possible.”
To finish, he touched on what he expects the supporters’ reaction to be this Sunday, as well as the injury that has kept him apart from the group, explaining that “the fans know that the team needs them. They’re going to support us more than ever and aren’t going to protest against anyone. With respect to my injury, I don’t know. One day you’re fine and the next your worse. The most important thing is to be sure that when you return you’re physically in the best shape.”
The center back spoke about the state of the ‘rojiblanco’ dressing room and said that “we’re dispirited about losing a couple games that we shouldn’t have lost. Now we have a few games to turn the situation around. Mentally, we’re fine. Beyond what’s happened in the last few days, the important thing is for the team to make it to a European competition. What’s said in the dressing room stays there.”
The Colombian didn’t want to reveal the conversations held between the players and coaching staff, highlighting that “we have a lot on the line. Things can happen in any clubhouse. We have to forget about it. The important thing is reaching our goal.”
Perea doesn’t think that the squad is distracted. “You have to be ready in each match. The organization comes before everything. We have to change. We lost and now we have a chance to change the team’s direction. We can’t think about the results of our rivals in the fight for Europe. First we have to win, and then if the teams playing against our direct rivals can help us out, then that’s great,” he asserted.
Concerning this Sunday’s opponent, Hércules, Perea assured that “we have to approach this match with faith. It’s very important for the team to change our streak. Nobody will stand for being left out of Europe, not the Club or the players or the media. For the benefit of everyone, the best thing is to think about football. Hercules will try to finish up their time in the First Division in the most honest way possible.”
To finish, he touched on what he expects the supporters’ reaction to be this Sunday, as well as the injury that has kept him apart from the group, explaining that “the fans know that the team needs them. They’re going to support us more than ever and aren’t going to protest against anyone. With respect to my injury, I don’t know. One day you’re fine and the next your worse. The most important thing is to be sure that when you return you’re physically in the best shape.”
