The draw against Racing leaves the players wanting more
Koke: “We’re capable of everything because we have a great team”
The Atlético de Madrid players who appeared in the mixed zone after the match agreed that Atlético de Madrid did enough to have scored at least a goal which would have given them the three points, but acknowledged that the team played a good game in defence. Juan Valera commented that “it was a tough match, and difficult to find spaces. It was a strange game for many reasons. We have to focus on getting better. Nevertheless, without having played a great game, we had our chances to have scored. This draw leaves us unsatisfied.”
With respect to whether the team missed those players who were out, and in particular Simão, Valera was clear. “Simão isn’t with us anymore. We have to forget about him even though he gave a lot to this Club. We have to substitute for him as best we can. The team will improve as the games go on. In general, Racing didn’t create much danger against us and that tells us that the team played well in defence. We have to create more chances, especially at the Calderón.”
Home grown player Jorge Resurrección, Koke, again enjoyed minutes with the first squad in the second half, about which he appeared satisfied despite the result. “I thought I did well, a bit nervous at first, but that’s normal because I hadn’t played in a while. Quique told me to stay calm and to play as I normally do and to get touches on the ball,” he commented.
With regard to the match itself, the central midfielder stated that even though “it’s tough to begin the year with a draw at home, we have to move forward and go for Champions spots. The result wasn’t going our way and it’s normal for the fans to apply pressure. The people are always going to demand that Atlético de Madrid win. We’re capable of everything and we have a great squad; thing will go our way in the end,” he stated.
In spite of the result, the squad player didn’t hesitate to assert that “those of us who played did so well, but we have to keep working to win matches.” Additionally, Koke thanked “Quique for the confidence that he’s showing in us (reserve squad players); we have to keep working so that when we get our opportunity we can take advantage of it.”
With respect to whether the team missed those players who were out, and in particular Simão, Valera was clear. “Simão isn’t with us anymore. We have to forget about him even though he gave a lot to this Club. We have to substitute for him as best we can. The team will improve as the games go on. In general, Racing didn’t create much danger against us and that tells us that the team played well in defence. We have to create more chances, especially at the Calderón.”
Home grown player Jorge Resurrección, Koke, again enjoyed minutes with the first squad in the second half, about which he appeared satisfied despite the result. “I thought I did well, a bit nervous at first, but that’s normal because I hadn’t played in a while. Quique told me to stay calm and to play as I normally do and to get touches on the ball,” he commented.
With regard to the match itself, the central midfielder stated that even though “it’s tough to begin the year with a draw at home, we have to move forward and go for Champions spots. The result wasn’t going our way and it’s normal for the fans to apply pressure. The people are always going to demand that Atlético de Madrid win. We’re capable of everything and we have a great squad; thing will go our way in the end,” he stated.
In spite of the result, the squad player didn’t hesitate to assert that “those of us who played did so well, but we have to keep working to win matches.” Additionally, Koke thanked “Quique for the confidence that he’s showing in us (reserve squad players); we have to keep working so that when we get our opportunity we can take advantage of it.”
