THE Javier Rimbalta spoke to Radio Marca, with her football manager AEK Refer to his presence in the team, coach Marco Nikolic, but also to the Union’s goals for the new season.
Ribalta talked about AEK’s decision to trust Marco Nikolic in technical leadership, explaining that this was a choice that was made with thought and plan. At the same time, he stressed the excellent cooperation already developed between the two men.
“Chemistry with Nikolic is very good, we work perfectly. It is important to have mutual trust in such a demanding job, “he said.
As for this year’s AEK goals, Ribalta made it clear that the team is aiming for a leading run in the league and cup, without hiding the ambition for a good European course. Commenting on the first match with Hapoel Ber Seva, he stressed that the result keeps the “alert” team ahead of the rematch in “Opap Arena”.
He also made a special reference to the former team technician, Matthias Almeida, who is now continuing his career in Seville, speaking warmly about Argentine. Finally, he did not fail to comment positively the course of Jose Luis Mendilibar at Olympiacos, pointing out the dynamic presence of Spanish coaches in Greek football.
“I came to AEK in October, the season had already begun. It wasn’t easy for me at that moment, but on the other hand it was good to study everything and not make hasty decisions and prepare for the next season. I tried not to disturb much. I tried to help the coach and the players. Unfortunately we ended the play -offs very badly, and we had gone pretty well until then and then we had to make decisions and change things. Now we are in the Conference League qualifiers which is a fragile moment and is not easy, “he said first and then talked about Marco Nikolic’s choice:
“I know Nikolic from Russia when he was in Lokomotiv and I was in Zenit. We have been a very good relationship for many years. It is a very interesting coach, we have about the same age, we have the same philosophy on football and I thought it was the ideal place and the perfect time for him. “
He was then asked about whether he had contacts with Moreno and Benitez about the position of coach: “No, I had never spoken to Moreno. There was a contact with Benitez, but up there. “
Ribalta then mentioned the transcripts he has made so far to AEK, Koutesa, Kaloskami, Marin, Relvas, Pleisa and then asked about the moment with AEK ready for the rematch with Hapoel Berre Seva after 1-0:
“It was a shame because in these games if you don’t put a second or a third goal, the score may look small. We are on alarm, we cannot relax. We have to see it positively, but it is true that we could have finished the game with three or four goals and we were more confident about the rematch. Let’s go to Debecen with alarm and concentrated. “
As for his goals this season with AEK, he stressed: “To try to be competitive in all domestic goals and to do a good run in Europe. European summer games are of course complex. We want to do something interesting in Europe and be competitive for the championship and the cup. Of course there are strong opponents in Greece, nothing is easy, but we can be competitive. “
He was then asked about Seville’s choice in the face of Matthias Almeida: “Seville took a coach with character. A great personality, a leader on the bench. He is a coach who likes the attack. Sevilla is going to be competitive. I haven’t seen the friendly, but I am sure that the cord and Almeida will make a competitive team, “he commented, and was called upon to talk about the success of Jose Luis Mendilibar at Olympiacos:
“Ever since the results came, they have been showing it. He has done a great job, having stability. Olympiacos plays directly in the Champions League League Phase this year. It’s a team that you can hardly seem to be able to reach, but we will compete with everyone. “