AEK Cypriot coach Jose Luis Oltra held a press conference on the eve of the home game of the 5th round of the Europa League group stage against Dynamo Kyiv.
Jose Luis Oltra (photo: aek.com.cy)- Tomorrow's game is very important for us. We have a historic chance to leave the group. I want to ask the fans to support us from the very beginning. We are up against a very good team, which has improved compared to our last meeting. Dynamo players are in good shape, they have a competent coach.
But I want to see a bold and flawless game from my team. We must look our best. I believe in the team and our fans. We will not play for a draw, although we are satisfied with this result. When you count on a draw, you will most likely lose. Therefore, our only goal is victory.
In all games, you must be motivated. If someone is unmotivated, there will be no place for him in the team. Tomorrow we have to focus on our game. You have to be decisive both in attack and in defense. We must show a good game.
Of course, the opponent has nothing to lose, but their goal was to qualify from the very beginning. That is why they want to win. Everything depends on us. In the first match, we demonstrated a competitive game. We did a good job in defense, didn't give the opponent space, but didn't hold the ball and didn't finish the attacks. We must play more aggressively. The right way is the game we showed in Poland and some things can be improved.
I am a coach who does not tolerate excuses. There are 19 players in our squad, including three goalkeepers. But these players are enough to achieve our goal. I have a plan for tomorrow's game. For some performers, this is a chance to show their readiness. I am satisfied with everything. The only one who will not be able to participate is Henry Andreu. We have a chance to withstand the competition and go down in history with the team.
Yes, we did not earn points in recent matches, but we played very good teams and looked competitive in all matches. The defeats in the matches with Rennes and Fenerbahce were unfair, but in general I am satisfied with the performance of the team in all matches. However, we must pay attention to details. I believe in the players, which I constantly tell them in the dressing room,” Oltra said at a pre-match press conference held on Wednesday.
