AEK is ready to embark on its journey to the stars, as the club welcomes Linz to Nea Filadelfia for the opener of the premier interclub competition, the Champions League.
Marko Nikolić, at the customary press conference, answered reporters’ questions and emphasized that his team will exhaust every possibility to advance past the group stage and go as far as possible in the tournament, aiming to fight for qualification with all their might.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Here is what Marko Nikolić had to say: “The time has come to kick off our Champions League campaign. We’re very happy to be here at the top level; we earned it through our players’ hard work. But we’re not here just to participate—we want to give it our all in every game. We’ll analyze every opponent, but we know they’ll all be very strong. It’s important that we’re playing at home, as our fans help us a lot—they’re our 12th player. Linz is a very good team with an excellent coach. They’re very strong on the counterattack and on set pieces. Just as we see our opponent as an opportunity to earn points, that’s exactly how they see it, too. Our players deserve to be here, and they’ll be fully competitive so that we don’t just stop at the first eight games.”
-What promise can you make to the team’s fans right now? “I’m not going to make big promises; I don’t like big talk. It’s very important to represent your fans in such major tournaments. We didn’t come here on vacation; we’re here because we deserve to be, and we’ll do everything we can to earn as many points as possible. We have a team capable of playing more than eight matches. Soccer isn’t just about budgets. It’s about passion and quality, and I see that all the time in the locker room. We’ll be competitive.”
-On whether there will be a change in tactical approach: “We won’t change our tactics or our style. In 95% of our games, we’ll have to play our own game; if we’re constantly adapting, we’ll lose our identity. Of course, through scouting, we’ll analyze our opponents to determine the starting lineup and the instructions each player will receive. We’re facing a very good team. Their results aren’t a fluke; they’re the product of a project that’s been in the works for many years. Tomorrow we’ll see a very fast-paced game with tremendous intensity, and we’ll have to rise to the challenge if we want to come out on top.”
-On the team’s current situation: “We’re just at the beginning of the season. We want a schedule like this; playing once a week is the easiest thing in the world, but modern soccer isn’t like that. It’s extremely demanding; there will be problems in the future—that’s unavoidable. Right now, we’re performing at a very high level, and we’ll take it one game at a time. I’m always happy with my players, and that’s true now as well. Teams in Greece spend a lot of money, but we’re focused on our own team and how we’ll face them. This season will be even more demanding than last year’s. Staying at the top is harder than getting there.”
-On facing Ljubičić: “Ljubičić was an important part of the team. At one point last season, he performed exceptionally well and really helped the team through a difficult stretch. He asked to join a team where he would get more playing time, and now fate has pitted AEK against him. I wish him all the best in his career—except, of course, for tomorrow; tomorrow, I want us to win.”
Barnabás Varga appeared eager for AEK’s Champions League opener and optimistic that it will end in victory.
The Hungarian star, speaking on behalf of the players, admitted that he is in excellent shape but emphasized the team’s overall effectiveness on offense.
He specifically stated:
On his amazing form: “I’m in very good form, but so is the whole team. All of the team’s forwards are in excellent shape. The missed penalty against OFI gave me extra motivation, and we’re ready for tomorrow’s match.”
On the expectations for tomorrow’s match: “We’re really looking forward to it and happy to be here. Every game will be tough, and we’ll do everything we can to get the three points.”
On how well he knows Linz: “Of course, I played in Austria for many years; I want to give it my all.”
*photo source: KYPE
