Vicente Moreno, coach of Espanyol, has been suspicious of Atlético, his rival this Sunday at the Wanda Metropolitano (4:15 p.m.) and considers that the elimination of the Champions League will not take its toll on the mattresses. Quite the contrary, they arrive enraged at tomorrow’s pulse.
“I expect an Atlético de Madrid as always, that competes, that leaves everything, that has a high level in its players and in its coach. They will be more injured, I think they deserved much more than what they got. You don’t know what is the best “But they have plenty of squad and you don’t know if the ones at the beginning are better than the ones that play later. I expect an Atlético of a high level”, Moreno recognized this Saturday.
He has been insisted on in the Champions League match that Atlético played and the fact that the appointment against Espanyol went unnoticed. “It’s normal for that to happen, because of the way it happened, it’s logical that they could still be talking about that game. I hope they have their heads further than in tomorrow’s game, but I’d be surprised”.
Already questioned about Espanyol, he acknowledged that the only safe loss is that of Yangel Herrera, who is sanctioned, but that there are also some ‘touches’, doubts that will dissipate tomorrow. He is clear about the replacement of the Venezuelan. “I have decided on the replacement. Yangel is an important player for us. When he is well or comes close to his best level, he gives us more options. We cannot count on him and we have variants”.
Vicente Moreno did not want to recreate or remember the first round match against Atlético at the RCDE Stadium, when Simeone’s men tied the win in added time. “That was a long time ago, but it was a tough day. We earned points. However, when you play against these teams and you stop doing anything or allow them to function at their highest level, it is difficult to beat them. That is over and we have that trying to make a good game and trying to make the circumstances that decide matches fall on our side”.
Lastly, the coach wished to congratulate Juvenil del Espanyol who fell with their heads held high against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final. “I congratulate them. They have had a great Copa del Rey and have had chances of winning it until the last moment. I want to send them encouragement because these difficulties are also part of any player’s training. We have very interesting young footballers who ensure the future of the Spanish”.
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