Pineda: “We have to give 100%, participating in the Champions League groups is a dream”

AEK meets Antwerp in the first leg of the Champions League playoffs in Antwerp and the usual press conference took place on Monday afternoon (21 August).

The players were represented by Pineda, who, among other things, stressed that taking part in the Champions League groups is a dream while stressing that he and his teammates must do their best.

First, the Mexican emphasized: “I think the coach told us everything. We studied the opponent and him individually, but also ourselves individually. We’ll do our best to play a good game, it won’t be easy.”

On the team’s mental preparedness after qualifying with Dinamo Zagreb: “The truth is that it was an intense, strong and emotional game. I think the games against Antwerp will be similar. We will do our best, we want the best possible, namely qualifying.”

How he and his team-mates view the prospect of qualifying for the Champions League: “Of course it is a dream for every player. Being able to play from home. It’s exciting, beautiful and motivates you to do your best to be there.”.

Whether he expects more difficult games with Antwerp than with Dinamo: “These are two very good teams. That’s why they were in the Champions League qualifier. What we do know is that we have to give 100% to reach our goal and qualify.”