Quique S. Flores: 'We know that it’s going to be a high-intensity match”
“We’re in a different situation than the one from last year”
Quique Sánchez Flores is heading into the final stretch of the season optimistically and aware that his squad has tough matches on its patch to qualification for European competitions. During his pre-game press conference, the head coach stated that “I don’t think that we’ll have to lower the intensity in a specific game. All games are complicated. We have a schedule that pits us against opponents who haven’t assured permanence in the First Division. The Riazor is a field where you have to play well to win. It’s going to be a tough match and they have a high morale at home. We have to keep the same sensations from previous encounters.”
With respect to what type of contest he expects at the Riazor, Quique explained that “it’s going to be a high-intensity match in the battle between players. Deportivo has interesting players... Valerón, Guardado, Lassad. We’re going to try and play the game that interests us, although I’ll say that we’re not going to change our style. We’ve been playing with confidence for a long time.”
The Atlético de Madrid manager also recalled the game from last season. “We lost on a penalty in the final minute. That left a bad taste in our mouths, but now we’re in a different situation. We’re going to come out with intensity, attitude, desire and the intention of creating scoring chances. We’ll also try to brush up on the aspects where we’ve been making mistakes,” he asserted.
“When I get positive responses, I have confidence in the group. Right now there’s a positive dynamic and whoever takes the pitch is playing really well, so I’m relaxed. Four players who don’t usually play started against Levante and did well. That’s why I’m sure that whoever plays against Deportivo will also do so well,” he indicated.
Concerning the current situation of Diego Forlán, Quique pointed out that “he’s adapted, he’s a good professional and that’s the most important thing. The current situation is uncomfortable for him and for me. It probably won’t happen for quite a long time. He fights to play as many minutes as he can. It’s a different season, although Diego has plenty to contribute from here until the end of the season. He has plenty left in his football career. He’s not worn out in physical shaped, goals scored or winning mentality. He’s had a tough season, but next year will be different.”
The ‘rojiblanco’ coach also spoke about the image being displayed by Spanish football and said that “we’re not advertising Spanish football well. We have good players, coaches, etc. But we’ve been in a negative whirlpool for a while, but I’m not the one who’s going to say what should be done. I limit myself to living in this world and I try not to make too many mistakes and not get carried away by the impulses of this profession.”
To finish, Quique Sánchez Flores touched on his future and assured that “we’re going to wait. I’m completely happy at Atlético de Madrid. Nobody knows what might happen in the world of football. I feel integrated in the organization, with the group of players, the executives and the fans, who give me lots of affection.”
With respect to what type of contest he expects at the Riazor, Quique explained that “it’s going to be a high-intensity match in the battle between players. Deportivo has interesting players... Valerón, Guardado, Lassad. We’re going to try and play the game that interests us, although I’ll say that we’re not going to change our style. We’ve been playing with confidence for a long time.”
The Atlético de Madrid manager also recalled the game from last season. “We lost on a penalty in the final minute. That left a bad taste in our mouths, but now we’re in a different situation. We’re going to come out with intensity, attitude, desire and the intention of creating scoring chances. We’ll also try to brush up on the aspects where we’ve been making mistakes,” he asserted.
“When I get positive responses, I have confidence in the group. Right now there’s a positive dynamic and whoever takes the pitch is playing really well, so I’m relaxed. Four players who don’t usually play started against Levante and did well. That’s why I’m sure that whoever plays against Deportivo will also do so well,” he indicated.
Concerning the current situation of Diego Forlán, Quique pointed out that “he’s adapted, he’s a good professional and that’s the most important thing. The current situation is uncomfortable for him and for me. It probably won’t happen for quite a long time. He fights to play as many minutes as he can. It’s a different season, although Diego has plenty to contribute from here until the end of the season. He has plenty left in his football career. He’s not worn out in physical shaped, goals scored or winning mentality. He’s had a tough season, but next year will be different.”
The ‘rojiblanco’ coach also spoke about the image being displayed by Spanish football and said that “we’re not advertising Spanish football well. We have good players, coaches, etc. But we’ve been in a negative whirlpool for a while, but I’m not the one who’s going to say what should be done. I limit myself to living in this world and I try not to make too many mistakes and not get carried away by the impulses of this profession.”
To finish, Quique Sánchez Flores touched on his future and assured that “we’re going to wait. I’m completely happy at Atlético de Madrid. Nobody knows what might happen in the world of football. I feel integrated in the organization, with the group of players, the executives and the fans, who give me lots of affection.”
