Araucho: “Mandalos is the best player in Greece, the player we tested this year is unique”

Sergio Araujo spoke with the best words about Petros Mandalou, confirming that his AEK teammate is the best player in Greece. And the Argentine spoke about something unique when talking about this year’s tournament, indicating that he did not know if he would end his career in the federation.

the Eck I managed to win this year’s championship And in display novaAnd «Monday FC» The guests were Sergio Araujo and Petros Mandalos. And the two captains of the federation spoke about this year, in which, among other things, the Argentine confirmed that his teammate is the best player in Greece.

In detail what Araujo told NOVA Camera:

For the differences between this year’s tournament and the 2018 tournament: “They are different from each other. It is a unique feeling that we experienced this year. Because we played the last match at home and it was special for all the children who competed.”

On his collaboration with Almeida: “It was easier for me because we speak the same language as Almeida. I spoke with him and knew what he wanted. The main element of his work was that from day one he wanted to be a hero and fight to the end.”

On whether there was a standout moment: “Everything was special. After three weeks I was away, it was a unique feeling to come home and win the championship. It was one of the best moments of my life.”

For the special position he had in the Almeida regime: “It’s something that goes out on the field. Speaking to Matias, he said to me ‘do what you want’. I was away from goal but trying to help my team mates. When I have to defend myself I’m there to do it. I missed a lot of chances and I could have scored 5-6 more goals this year. As I said after the match with Aris, I lost a goal on my own just as I said in 2018 when we won the championship, I took it as a sign.

asked if there was a moment when he thought the title would be lost: “We were far away on points but we had faith. Our coach made it clear that he wanted us to be champions. We had chances to go first but we didn’t. After our defeat against PAOK, I said it would be better if we finished second now and then we won the championship.”

For the post he made about Mandalu: “I know he suffered and what he’s been through. We’ve been playing bad and losing and everyone blames him. When we’re together I always enjoy it, it feels like we’ve known each other for years. It’s time for him to stop suffering. He deserves it more than anyone.”

On whether he expected what would happen when he came to AEK in 2017: “I don’t think so. When I came I wasn’t competing in Spain at all. And here I was able to prove what I couldn’t do in Spain. From the first match I played in an AEK jersey it was something unique, that’s why I always come back here and not for any other team”

On whether he feels pressure to take Demi’s number 11: “I knew who was wearing the 11 and I knew the pressure it was going to bring. I had to live up to those expectations and do the best I could. I chose the ’11’ because I liked it as a number and I knew the story it carried.”

For the fact that he constantly honors the memory of the deceased Alice: “It’s just something that works for me. I hope these moments can help us change Greek football. I’m honored to do that.”

For the goal he scored in Tumba with a pass from Mandalu: “I always expect a pass from Petros, I tell him every game, pass me the ball and I’ll be there to score. In previous years, this happened a lot because we played more together. He’s the best player in Greek football. The way he understands the game is great, I’m really enjoying it.” playing with him.”

On whether he will end his career at AEK: “I don’t know, it’s complicated, it’s also my family’s thing. I want to be happy. When I’m not somewhere, I’ll say it and it will be the best for everyone.”

On whether he picks up a teammate’s offer: “It is difficult to choose a teammate. Everyone gave their best, but of course the most important was Almeida. If I had to say someone, I would choose Pinedas.”

For the cup: “When you play a final you want to be the champion. That day I was talking to my friends and they told me that it has been more than thirty years that AEK has not won a double. I will be close to the team even though I cannot play.”

“OPAP Arena reminds me of Bonbonera Boca”

Regarding the fact that the next conference final will be held at the “Opap Arena” and if he wants to go there with AEK: “Let’s be champions and make the final wherever it is. I missed playing in Europe, it’s my chance to play there and it gives me a lot of motivation. I’ll fight to overcome my injury and compete in the qualifiers”

For the opponent who felt the hardest: “It’s been a very difficult year for everyone. We were confident everything was going to work out and we did. The toughest opponent was Panathinaikos but we knew we were better. Matthias gave us that philosophy”.

For the atmosphere in the “Opap Arena”: “It reminds me of Boca Juniors. I can’t describe it, the stadium ‘shakes’. There were times when the game started people wanted us to score the first goal quickly, and sometimes it led us to make mistakes because we were in a hurry.”

For the most beautiful goal scored with AEK: “The one I had against Olympiacos in Oaca, with the left foot in the cup. The one where I did the chest control first.”

For the team you support outside of Greece: “Las Palmas, whenever I can always watch their matches. The rest, Barcelona.”