Victor Machín Vitolo count the days for the ball to roll in Lisbon. The canary ended the season being important in the Atlético de Madrid, and hopes to prolong this state in the final phase of the Champions League. It is what occupies all your thoughts now. He warns of the danger of Leipzig and of playing a single game, but dreams of lifting the title. For him, for his teammates and, above all, for the fans. Her future? He sees it as a rojiblanco.
In what moment are you?
“I feel fine, after stopping again, returning to training … It is not like other years, it is different, but happy, excited, because something nice is coming and it is time to all be together and hopefully we meet the goal that we all want ”.
And what is that goal?
“The main one is Leipzig. He is a complicated opponent, who finished his League well. It is true that he has the loss of his forward, Werner, who was his reference and a very complete forward. But there are more players who can supply it. If they have done it like this in their league it is because they have a great team, and if they have gone to the Champions League round, it will be difficult ”.
Would Atlético have been better off having continued playing after the Anfield high?
“Yes, but hey, after the break the team had a good League final. In our houses we did a great job and that was reflected in the field when we returned. Now I think it will be more of the same. It is true that it is a match and that the Champions League is different from the League, but we are very excited. Anything can happen ”.
Is this new format better or worse for the team?
“I don't know, but I think a game is more complicated because anyone can beat you. With two games you have more options if you make a bad game, fix it with the return. A match is going to be difficult, all the teams are going to compete a lot and hopefully we can bring joy to the Atleti fans ”.
Physical appearance can play a fundamental role in Lisbon. Do you agree?
“Yes I think so. There are many teams that have stopped competing for a long time, like us, others that have not … In the end there will be a difference, but in training we are trying to reach the highest peak to perform at our best in the Champions League match ”.
They are given as favorites. Take that poster?
“No, in the end, to a match, nobody can be a clear favorite. If you get a bad game, you have an unfortunate move, everything is more difficult because you have little time to pass. I think not, everything will be even and it will be very difficult ”.
And the favorites for the tournament?
Same idea. A game will be difficult for everyone, because the teams will compete to the maximum knowing that it is all or nothing. I don't see any favorites. All of us who are there are good teams and we are excited to win the trophy ”.
On a personal level, the season ended well. Do you trust to give it continuity in Lisbon?
“Yes, I finished well. In the last section, as you say, I was able to play quite a few minutes, what a player wants. Happy for that part, I always want to play as much as possible but if not, when the coach sees fit, come off the bench to help the team. Hopefully I can continue to have more minutes to show what I can do ”.
This last section, has it been the best you have had at Atlético, at least in terms of continuity?
“You know what happens, that since I arrived at Atleti it is true that I have always had good peaks that have been interrupted with injuries. What I try is to be physically well to have continuity. Now I have not been standing for a long time and that is important for a player, to be good with yourself. What I want is to play and forget the injuries ”.
Is continuity and not having so many injuries what has failed you at Atlético?
“I don't think it's an excuse, but maybe you're right. Playing games and being well and getting injured is complicated, because you never get up to speed. And it is difficult to have continuity, but now I have not had anything for a long time, thank God and hopefully I can continue like this, doing my job, supervised by the Profe, to be the best possible and continue with the good dynamics that I have without injuries ”.
In his position, the competition is brutal, Carrasco, Correa, Joao …
“Yes, there are very good players at Atleti. We have a great team. there is a lot of competition but that is good for the team, so no one falls asleep, and there is healthy internal competition that is essential for a team to always be competing ”.
I'm going to ask him about his friend Diego Costa. He has looked very good after the break …
“Yes. I'm not going to discover Diego Costa. He is a piece of forward and will have that desire and that hunger to conquer the Champions League. The first step is Leipzig and they will be looking forward to it. In training he looks good and I hope he can help us on Thursday ”.
I imagine you would see the 2014 and 2016 finals. You weren't at Atlético, but what did you think?
“Watching them made it hard even for me. He deserved one of those finals at least. It was a shame. But in the end the good thing about football is that it always gives you revenge, and every year it is tried. Now we are three games away, the first Leipzig, with the utmost humility, knowing that it will be difficult, but hopefully we can pass ”.
Let's talk about the future. They put him in pools to go out, that Atlético would listen to offers. What do you think?
“My opinion is that I am very happy here. I have this one and two more years on my contract. My family is very comfortable here, it is a great city, and I don't want to change of scene. In the end, the club, if it wants to sell me, will have to talk to me, but my intention is to be able to play here. I love being here, in this city, in this club and hopefully I can fulfill the contract ”.
Despite not having had much continuity, the fans have always been with you.
“Yes, I really felt loved. They have always shown their affection for me. Despite not having the continuity I wanted, they have always shown me their affection on the street or in the stadium. I am very grateful to them, that shows what the Atleti fans are. Happy for that part, I have always felt valued “
What would you give to be champion of Europe?
“Buah (laughs). It would be something very big, the most beautiful thing in my career, it would be something incredible. I would make any promise to win this Champions League, especially since Atleti deserves it for these years. But hey, let's think about Leipzig, we have to go game by game as the coach says. They are three games to give immense joy to the fans and we are going to fight with everything to reach that final.