The four Atletico captains give the starting signal for the season
Antonio López: 'The fans have to be excited because the squad is very competitive and balanced'
Gregorio Manzano had all his players available on Thursday the 8th, 24 players of the first team squad trained together for the first time in the Sports City. All the internationals had returned after attending international commitments and the latest additions Pizzi and Diego were also present.
So the first team captains, Antonio Lopez, Perea, Dominguez, and Gabi wanted to give a symbolic kick-start to the campaign now that the team is full, appearing before the media on the grass of the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda. They all sent a message of hope and confidence for the fans ahead of a season that promised much after the effort to strengthen the squad.
Antonio Lopez was the first to speak 'The fans have to be excited because the squad is very competitive and balanced with two players per position. People are excited about this project and these new players. We will put all our efforts to achieve the objectives at the end of the season, to be in the top four,' he said.
As to whether Atletico Madrid can stand up to Barcelona and Real Madrid to fight for the League, Perea said that 'it is clear that in terms of investment Barca and Madrid are a step above the rest, but I think the directors have made a big effort to make a team very competitive in all areas. The most important thing is that there is a good team and I think we have everything to have agood campaign.'
The attack from Atletico Madrid has changed and Dominguez said that 'the board has made an effort to bring world class players in attack, although it is true that there have been other very good players. But it is clear that together we are going to do everything we can to not have to talk about the past, just the present and future. There is a great team and we will prove it.'
The first game of the season did not endwith the victory, so to excite the fans the goal must be to win in a place as complicated as Mestalla. Gabi understands this 'Against Osasuna the team played a great game but did not get the victory, which was what everyone wanted. On Saturday we have a game to measure our strength, that those who have come to demonstrate the quality they have and to excite people. We will come up against an opponent who is probably goging to be fighting with us during the season.' he said.
Arda Turan's signing for Atletico Madrid is being followed with great interest in Turkey, and he has already fit in in the changing room. Antonio Lopez acknowledged that 'I speak with him in half English half Spanish, and so far i get on with him very well because he's a great guy, a great player and a great professional. Arda has adapted very well and we tried to welcome him with open arms, as we always have with al new players.'
The coaching change was another of the questions posed to the captains. Dominguez took the microphone to answer 'there are two different techniques and each has their way of being. Quique was his way of working for two years and we achieved two titles with him. We are very happy with the new coach. He asks especially that we are noble people, educated, respected on and off the field. At the end of the day, coaches and players have to pull in the same direction and I think there is a good feeling and that will be important.'
They were asked if Falcao was a worthy substitute for Aguero and Forlan, to which Antonio Lopez replied that 'they are different players. Forlan and Aguero are no longer here and we wish them to do their best in their respective teams, but today we must think of us here.'
So the first team captains, Antonio Lopez, Perea, Dominguez, and Gabi wanted to give a symbolic kick-start to the campaign now that the team is full, appearing before the media on the grass of the Ciudad Deportiva de Majadahonda. They all sent a message of hope and confidence for the fans ahead of a season that promised much after the effort to strengthen the squad.
Antonio Lopez was the first to speak 'The fans have to be excited because the squad is very competitive and balanced with two players per position. People are excited about this project and these new players. We will put all our efforts to achieve the objectives at the end of the season, to be in the top four,' he said.
As to whether Atletico Madrid can stand up to Barcelona and Real Madrid to fight for the League, Perea said that 'it is clear that in terms of investment Barca and Madrid are a step above the rest, but I think the directors have made a big effort to make a team very competitive in all areas. The most important thing is that there is a good team and I think we have everything to have agood campaign.'
The attack from Atletico Madrid has changed and Dominguez said that 'the board has made an effort to bring world class players in attack, although it is true that there have been other very good players. But it is clear that together we are going to do everything we can to not have to talk about the past, just the present and future. There is a great team and we will prove it.'
The first game of the season did not endwith the victory, so to excite the fans the goal must be to win in a place as complicated as Mestalla. Gabi understands this 'Against Osasuna the team played a great game but did not get the victory, which was what everyone wanted. On Saturday we have a game to measure our strength, that those who have come to demonstrate the quality they have and to excite people. We will come up against an opponent who is probably goging to be fighting with us during the season.' he said.
Arda Turan's signing for Atletico Madrid is being followed with great interest in Turkey, and he has already fit in in the changing room. Antonio Lopez acknowledged that 'I speak with him in half English half Spanish, and so far i get on with him very well because he's a great guy, a great player and a great professional. Arda has adapted very well and we tried to welcome him with open arms, as we always have with al new players.'
The coaching change was another of the questions posed to the captains. Dominguez took the microphone to answer 'there are two different techniques and each has their way of being. Quique was his way of working for two years and we achieved two titles with him. We are very happy with the new coach. He asks especially that we are noble people, educated, respected on and off the field. At the end of the day, coaches and players have to pull in the same direction and I think there is a good feeling and that will be important.'
They were asked if Falcao was a worthy substitute for Aguero and Forlan, to which Antonio Lopez replied that 'they are different players. Forlan and Aguero are no longer here and we wish them to do their best in their respective teams, but today we must think of us here.'
