May 10, 2024 (modified May 10, 2024 | 00:29)
The words of the Spanish coach: “We shouldn’t forget what we created. I also liked the team’s reaction. It will be nice to challenge Atalanta”
Xabi Alonso spoke to the microphones of Rai at the end of the drawn match against Rome which sent him to the Europa League final. These are his words:
Did you ever imagine it would be so difficult? “I imagined it, it had already been difficult in Rome. Down by two goals for episodes, we shouldn’t forget what we created and I liked the reaction. Last year we came close to the final, this year we won it. Now in the final we will face another Italian team.”
Are Atalanta more like you? “Roma were also very good in trying to attack us. Atalanta has been working with Gasperini for many years. They are a well-established team, it will be nice to challenge them.”
On Atalanta. “They are a very strong team, they have been with the same coach for many years. They play with a lot of intensity, I know them well. Now we enjoy the moment.”
XABI ALONSO AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
About the match. “Incredible to have two finals. We showed great character especially after Roma’s 2-0. I saw that they wanted to do it and I’m very happy with the team, and now we have the big goal of winning all three titles. I’m happy they deserve it. We were able to show this character, we deserve it. We created many chances after the first and second goals. We were close to scoring and when we showed great personality the boys had confidence even after going 2-0 down. We are doing the right things. The final was deserved in my opinion. It’s a great thing.”
On Wirtz. “He took a knock like against Dortmund and didn’t recover quickly. Now we will have a few days off but he wanted to help the team. He had a good impact now he needs time. We have two weeks until the finals. We have to see how everything develops but we are not worried.”
As a player you have played in many finals. Is it more difficult to reach the final or win it? “WIN. Getting to the final and not winning it is sad, I’ve had this experience. We will try to prepare well, it won’t be easy but this team has shown that they are ready for everyone. They always want to win and have a big impact. We need everyone, there will be two finals and I haven’t realized yet.”
About Stanisic. “Today he didn’t play from the 1st minute, it wasn’t an easy decision. He always wants to play. He is so hungry. The managers will decide on his future but it is very difficult to keep him. He is a very important player for us. We have a compact and perfect team.”
He played with great teams but you’ve never been undefeated in so many games. “Difficult to explain. There is no explanation. In football there are always defeats but we are happy that until now we have never lost. Now we don’t want to stop, there are other games.”
Are you concerned that you have created a lot but only the opponent scores? “In the return matches there are always special episodes but we showed character and good football. Even in the first half we created a lot, last year we also controlled well but this season everything is different. The first penalty was fine, the second is doubtful. It makes no sense to give that penalty for that handball.”
On the two finals. “It will not be easy. City were in the same situation last year. Not many teams make it and it means a lot. It’s been a long journey and we’re only thinking about these weeks. There is great anticipation, we are convinced that we can do it.”
After 1-2 you continued to attack. “The players wanted to reach a draw. We attacked well with good control. They only tried with Lukaku and it was a bit of a strange situation. 1-2 was enough but they wanted more.”
On Atalanta. “It’s no surprise they are a great team. They have been doing well for many years. They are strong. They do special things tactically too. I haven’t seen much yet but I have seen something. There is great anticipation for the final.”
The trauma of last year is over. “We still have last year’s pain in our heads. From the first match we were hungry to get to Dublin. It wasn’t a trauma but a positive experience that we used to keep our concentration high. Now we are in the final, anything can happen.”
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May 10, 2024 (modified May 10, 2024 | 00:29)
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