MADRID, 23 Feb. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of UD Almería, Gaizka Garitano, commented this Friday that the absence of important Atlético de Madrid players such as Griezmann or Giménez does not influence them “to be a great team” and “competitive” as they “always” are, in addition considers that the 'colchoneros', their rival on this day of LaLiga EA Sports, are the “most reliable” team in recent years.
“Atlético is a great team that has been competing at a high level in all competitions for many years. If they are up there, it is because they have done their best to compete every day, and if they are missing two or three players I don't think that would be “It will influence them to be a great team and to be competitive. I would say that in recent years it is the most reliable team in terms of performance and competitiveness,” he stated.
Garitano is confident that Almería will “be in the game and compete” against a team that is “one of the best in Europe.” “Someday it will fall in favor. If we continue like this, in this situation of doing things fairly well as we are doing them and competing well, victory has to come. The important thing is that we continue in this line of trying to do things well and improve those few that we don't do well,” he added.
The Basque coach of Almería spoke about the bad fortune they have had throughout the season in refereeing decisions, an aspect that is influencing the results “a lot.” “We must have a little more luck in areas that do not depend so much on us, such as that one day we will have a penalty in our favor or that the slightly more controversial decisions fall in our favor,” he added.
“We have been close to winning for a long time, practically in every game, but we don't. We are capable of beating any rival at any time, even when we have played against Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid or Girona, we have given a feeling of power win,” said Garitano.
Regarding the state of the team, the Biscayan coach was satisfied because it is “the first time” in the entire season that he has “all the players available” except for those who are seriously injured. One of them is Jonathan Viera, who Garitano believes will be better “day by day.” “It is clear that when he gains minutes in competition and training he will be able to endure more quality minutes on the field,” he noted.
Garitano has also expressed his thoughts on the team's lack of goals at home, where they have not scored in the last five games. “If we review the chances we have had in the five games, it seems incredible that we haven't scored a goal. I would be worried if we don't have scoring chances or if the team doesn't attack or is too far behind and we don't see how they can score a goal, but it's not the case”.
An Almería that is accusing the end of the game, and that concedes many goals in the last quarter of an hour of the match, something that the Basque coach attributes to the “physique.” “It is very important, when you compare 'Champions' teams or teams that are at the top of the table with teams that are at the bottom, the condition that makes the most difference is physicality. Logically, there are differences at a tactical and technical level, but the biggest The level of difference between big and small teams is the physical level,” he stressed.
Finally, he wanted to send his condolences to the victims affected by the Valencia fire. “When something like this happens, football always takes a backseat. All the misfortunes that exist in society must always be placed far above what happens in football. From here, I want to send a hug to the family of the deceased and the utmost condolences to the people of Valencia,” he concluded.