Amanda: “If we think they are going to beat us, we better not even go out”

There is no more authoritative voice than Amanda sampedro (Madrid, 1993) to talk about Athletic. The red-and-white captain accumulates 18 years within the Madrid club, which she arrived in 2002 to train in lower categories. With one Cup and three Leagues, the midfielder now faces a new challenge in the team of her life: the Champions League, in which Barça awaits them (Friday, 6:00 p.m. in San Mamés). She, humble and fighter, speaks to AS about the tie before heading to Bilbao. And, he promises that they will give everything on the grass, despite the team's situation (5 casualties due to COVID-19, 4 players touched and 8 signings). “Atleti is about falling and getting up “, stresses.

How are you? Nervous?

Well. More than nerves, I have a lot of desire.

How has this last week been after detecting positive cases?

They have been difficult moments. In the end, it is what we have to live and we must adhere to the Health protocol, which forced us to be in quarantine for ten days after having been in contact with positives. We did training online and we were looking forward to training again.

The uncertainty would be greater in each PCR test, right?

Yes. We did three PCR tests before we went back to training. The uncertainty has not disappeared. The fear continues because it is a virus that nobody knows how to control. Is not easy…

How was the return to training?

We have returned to training with many measures, and we are very focused on tomorrow's game.

It was a special match, but now it's rather rare …

Yes. It's rare for everyone. The field will be empty despite being in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. And that says a lot about the situation. It's sad because I think that football belongs to the fans …

Are they at a disadvantage compared to Barça?

Yes. The reality is that we have been confined for ten days while Barça was training. We have tried to do our best to arrive in the best conditions.

Have the casualties changed the plans a lot?

We have been preparing the game for a long time, but not specifically. The plans have changed. It is all different from what we proposed from the beginning. But we know who we're up against and where to push. We have many casualties due to COVID-19, sanction, etc. And the preparation has not been as desired, but Atleti is about falling and getting up. We have also had the case of Vir (Virginia Torrecilla, operated on for a brain tumor), who touched us all and has made us stronger as a team.

Speaking of Torrecilla, we saw in LaLiga an emotional dedication in a goal by Costa, who took off the Balearic jersey in homage to her. Do you plan to do something for the Champions League?

It is appreciated the detail that the players had with her. And, in our case, she knows it perfectly. Not only every victory, but every fight, every race on the field and every time we look at each other and we are short of breath, we dedicate that to her.

Going back to the game, Atleti has six signings. Could the advantage lie in the surprise factor?

I do not think so. Barça has a block made for several years and that generates much more advantage than having new signings. The signings have come to give us a bonus, but adaptation is needed. Our key is going to be in the mental aspect. We will go out for all. Athletes will be proud.

The tie is a single match. He prefers?

It's better, especially against teams as good as Barça. One bad day can be caught, two is more complicated.

We have seen a 2-8 win in the men's, is it scary that this will happen?

If we think that they are going to thrash us, we better not go out on the field. What you have to do is go with very clear ideas and with a lot of mental strength.

As Atleti captain, what would winning the Champions League mean for you?

Raising the Champions League is a dream. But we have to keep our feet on the ground and just think about enjoying the game.

What would you say to the fans to reassure them in this situation?

The fans cannot be promised a victory because this is football. But I do assure you that we are going to go out to win and show the great values ​​that Atlético represents. And they are sure to be very proud to see us defend the shirt in this final phase.

Leaving the Champions aside, it seems that the League is also in the air. How is this situation handled?

It is something that has to be solved because the rest of the Leagues in the rest of the countries have their dates marked and we do not. It is a matter of everyone coming together (CSD, RFEF, clubs, unions …) and reaching an agreement that is the best possible for all of us who are fighting for women's football to move forward. Now we cannot take false steps backwards. What we have to do is adapt to the pandemic situation that we have and continue with everything. And, of course, the Primera Iberdrola has to play yes or yes because it can generate a lot of growth now that we are on the rise. Adapting to the situation does not mean suspending everything.

Last season left many lessons for Atlético. What do you think went wrong with the team?

I think we lacked continuity at all levels. The year was very complicated because of the coach changes and everything. And we need continuity, which now we do have from the beginning with a coaching staff and an established project. I believe that this year we are going to see an Atleti totally different from the previous year.

What goals are left on the table for the season?

We always set ourselves the goal of improving the results of the previous year. We have made a team to be able to win the League and compete in the Cup, the Super Cup and go the furthest in the Champions League.

And you. What challenges do you mark?

The challenge is to grow every day as a footballer. In games like this, of such a level and as beautiful as the Champions League, there is an opportunity to continue learning and growing