Javier Aguirre: “We have to step up to stay in Champions spots”
Javier Aguirre had no scruples about analysing Reyes’ situation. Thus, the Mexican manager wanted to leave it clear that “the player never insulted me. He saw he wasn’t in the squad list and he asked to speak with me, which is normal amongst the players who aren’t summoned, we chatted, and with my hand on the Bible, I’ll repeat that he didn’t insult me. I’m not going to reveal what the player and I talked about. He didn’t agree with my decision. He said that he was not going to show up for training the next day, but he showed up for it.”
The head coach hopes that all that was spoken about regarding Reyes during the week doesn’t affect the squad, and assured that “people have been talking more about things that have nothing to do with sports than about the match against Almería; I hope that that doesn’t affect the players. We have to step up to stay in Champions spots.”
With respect to his relationship with the players on the roster, the ‘Vasco’ gave his opinion that that “it’s very good, very open. We look each other in the eyes and we say what we think. We have full confidence in each other. There are 23 players and there’s a different relationship with each one of them. I try to spend time with the youngest players to give them advice.”
“I feel backed by my bosses. We eat together almost every week and we analyse the team’s situation; we all want the best for Atlético. They give their point of view and ask me about aspects of the teams. It’s a very good relationship,” stated the head coach.
Regarding the goalkeeper who will be in the Atleti goal against Almería, he confirmed that “it’s a dilemma. I’ve had that ‘problem’ for two weeks. It’s normal work for the manager, who must look out for the best for the team.”
“Almería is the best team in the league on set pieces. We’ve worked a lot during the week on that aspect of play. I told my players not to commit fouls on the border of the area and to avoid corner kicks,” said Aguirre.
To finish, the Mexican manager spoke about the rumours that are circulating in his country about his return to the national team. “It seems like I’m on a list, which also includes Scolari and Pekerman. I have a contract until 30 June, and a clause that would automatically renew it if the team makes it to Europe. I’m very happy at the organisation. We have a project and we’re working on it,” Javier Aguirre concluded by saying.
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