Cúper: “We have to play better than we did in Salonica; play an almost perfect game”
Javito: 'Atlético’s attack up front is impressive'
Héctor Cúper, manager of Aris de Salónica, opponent of Atlético de Madrid in matchday 5 of the Europa League Group Stage, was emphatic in front of the media before his team’s training session at Estadio Vicente Calderón. The coach was accompanied by player Javito, author of the goal that defeated Atlético in Greece in the first week of this stage. The surprising thing is that there was only Spanish press at the conference because there was a general strike in Greece and so the Greek journalists didn’t attend.
Cúper highlighted that “we know our opponent’s potential perfectly well and we know that they’ll have the total support of their fans. We’re not doing so well in the Greek championship right now, but this changes and now we’re in the Europa League. Speaking about Atlético’s quality would be obvious. We have to play better than in Salonica, with our lines very close, pressuring and playing an almost perfect match to beat Atlético at the Vicente Calderón.”
The manager is convinced of his team’s chances. “We’re excited and have possibilities of passing through. Football is so big that nobody can predict anything. I’ll repeat that we’re looking forward to it.”
With respect to whether it’s a final for Aris because losing would knock them out of the competition, he stated that “we’re playing for the chance to qualify. We’ll make a maximum effort. Then, we’ll see the strengths of each team. If one were to compare the two clubs, they’d say that we don’t have a chance, but nobody can predict that. We have to give our all because they have Agüero, Forlán, Reyes, Simao,Tiago… and like that one-by-one in their squad. We might have a bit less potential, but you have to play the game.”
Héctor Cúper finished by saying that “surely one team will attack more than the other. A draw could be good enough for us but what would definitely serve us well is a win. We have to come away with something. We already played a great match against Leverkusen and we didn’t get anything. We have to take something because if not, we’ll be out.”
Also appearing at the pre-game press conference was Aris’ Spanish striker, Javito. The forward didn’t hesitate to emphasize that it’s a special match because of the team he’ll be facing. “Of course it’s special. It’s a team that I’ve watched play in the First Division since I was a kid, that has great players and in which one would have loved to play. Facing them in a competition like the UEFA really motivates you and even more so being Spanish,” he stated.
Javito didn’t skimp on praise of the team and players that he’ll have to match up against tomorrow on the pitch of Estadio Vicente Calderón. “In general terms, they have a very good team. Their attack up front is impressive and they show that every game with Agüero, Forlán, Reyes... If it’s not one, then it’s another, but they always end up marking the differences,” he commented.
The striker also game some keys that he deems essential if his team wants to get a good results against Atlético. “We have to play seriously, be well-ordered and try to allow them as few chances as possible because they can finish you off with the slightest of chances. We’re going to try and do everything we can to score, and if possible, to win. Or, if not, at least draw,” Javito wrapped up.
Cúper highlighted that “we know our opponent’s potential perfectly well and we know that they’ll have the total support of their fans. We’re not doing so well in the Greek championship right now, but this changes and now we’re in the Europa League. Speaking about Atlético’s quality would be obvious. We have to play better than in Salonica, with our lines very close, pressuring and playing an almost perfect match to beat Atlético at the Vicente Calderón.”
The manager is convinced of his team’s chances. “We’re excited and have possibilities of passing through. Football is so big that nobody can predict anything. I’ll repeat that we’re looking forward to it.”
With respect to whether it’s a final for Aris because losing would knock them out of the competition, he stated that “we’re playing for the chance to qualify. We’ll make a maximum effort. Then, we’ll see the strengths of each team. If one were to compare the two clubs, they’d say that we don’t have a chance, but nobody can predict that. We have to give our all because they have Agüero, Forlán, Reyes, Simao,Tiago… and like that one-by-one in their squad. We might have a bit less potential, but you have to play the game.”
Héctor Cúper finished by saying that “surely one team will attack more than the other. A draw could be good enough for us but what would definitely serve us well is a win. We have to come away with something. We already played a great match against Leverkusen and we didn’t get anything. We have to take something because if not, we’ll be out.”
Also appearing at the pre-game press conference was Aris’ Spanish striker, Javito. The forward didn’t hesitate to emphasize that it’s a special match because of the team he’ll be facing. “Of course it’s special. It’s a team that I’ve watched play in the First Division since I was a kid, that has great players and in which one would have loved to play. Facing them in a competition like the UEFA really motivates you and even more so being Spanish,” he stated.
Javito didn’t skimp on praise of the team and players that he’ll have to match up against tomorrow on the pitch of Estadio Vicente Calderón. “In general terms, they have a very good team. Their attack up front is impressive and they show that every game with Agüero, Forlán, Reyes... If it’s not one, then it’s another, but they always end up marking the differences,” he commented.
The striker also game some keys that he deems essential if his team wants to get a good results against Atlético. “We have to play seriously, be well-ordered and try to allow them as few chances as possible because they can finish you off with the slightest of chances. We’re going to try and do everything we can to score, and if possible, to win. Or, if not, at least draw,” Javito wrapped up.