Aris hungry to win, AEK expecting tough match

In conversation with the media, Aris goalkeeper Julian Cuesta expressed his desire to beat a big team in the Super League, while AEK head coach Manolo Jimenez thinks it will be a tricky game for the Athenians.

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After 22 rounds, Aris sit in fifth place of the Super League, and assuming either AEK or PAOK win the Greek Cup, they’re on course to qualify for the 2019/2020 UEFA Europa League. Last week, the Thessaloniki outfit proved their worth in a dramatic derby against PAOK, snatching a late equaliser to claim a 1:1 draw at the Toumba Stadium. For their part, AEK are in third position, as the Kitrinomavri aim to maintain their position in the top three.

Aris goalkeeper Julian Cuesta shared his expectations for the match:

Thoughts ahead of playing AEK: ”Everyone in our team is ready for this match. We know that the stadium will be full, and in the dressing room, we can feel the fans’ desire to win games. I feel that we’re more ready than ever to beat a big team.”

Dramatic derby draw with PAOK: “That game proved we’re in great shape, and on Saturday, I believe we will be even better when hosting AEK. In my opinion, we deserved the three points against PAOK, but the victory didn’t come and we must now win this game. We have to get what we deserve.”

What’s needed to beat AEK at home: “We must have concentration, be determined, have faith and play with patience, because the opponents have an excellent team. If we stick to our game plan and play with desire, we can win, and the main thing is to make sure that the result depends on our performance. We’re playing at home with the fans’ support, so we are optimistic that we will earn the three points.”

AEK boss Manolo Jimenez is expecting a different match at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium:

Relief after victory in the Greek Cup quarter-finals: “We certainly feel satisfied after beating Atromitos in the week. However, that is a different tournament, and we now have to look ahead to this match against Aris and further upcoming games.”

Using the 3-5-2 formation: “Last year, we played quite a few games with this system, depending on the players available. I can use Michalis Bakakis in different positions, especially when Helder Lopes, Niklas Hult and Dmytro Chygrynskiy are all unavailable. I liked how Anastasios Bakasetas played in the last game. The best system for AEK is when all players in the squad are available for selection.”

Opinions on Aris: “I like their colours! Aris play good football and they have Spanish players in their team which I know. I made my debut as AEK boss at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium? A lot has changed, that was a long time ago. They’re a strong team and play well at home.”

Good performance of Petros Mantalos against Atromitos: “Petros is one of the best players in Greece. He’s a flexible player and I love having him in my team.”

Injury problems suffered by Dmytro Chygrynskiy: “His condition is improving, but we still need to wait in order for him to return to action. The most important thing is that Dmytro is a great professional who works hard to get back into top physical shape. We need more freshness in our back line, and I am waiting for the injured players to return.”

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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