Good match tomorrow

“For me there’s never an ugly match, and being able to enjoy every game is fortunate.  I try to enjoy each one, beyond the suffering.  We’re up against one of the teams in the championship fight, which is always something different and special.  Playing at such grounds makes for an attractive match, and has more impact.”

Ambition

“I know what’s at stake.  We are looking at results and if we had just 37 or 38 points at this time, we’d have a much greater necessity than we have now.  We always have the need to do things right, because of our pride, our professionalism and for what’s at stake.  We don’t want to stay where we are, we want to improve our scoring records, points, place in the rankings and aim for the best.”

Atlético, major rival

“The respect is mutual, and cannot be any other way.  There’s nothing special at the time of planning this match.  They are playing for the championship, characterised by them not changing what they do regardless of who they’re competing against.  Atlético always maintain maximum intensity, which allows them to compete with the best.  They have a very good squad, excellent coach and a team sentiment like no other.”

Goal occasions

“If I had one wish, it would be that we continue to enjoy numerous goal chances.  Accuracy in front of goal tends to come in certain streaks at times, and will return at any point.  I see my players every day and I firmly believe they are able to score much more than they do.”

50 points

“Giant killer? What excites me more is reaching or exceeding 50 points.  This is truly exciting, more so than earning points against the big rivals.  Also, reaching last year’s records, or improving on them if possible.”