Don’t F around with that babelfish translation shit, I translated it just for you. Warning: it’s quite long.

How do you see the dressing room after the elimination from the Champions League?

It hasn’t been too difficult because we knew that we had to win every single match in order to have a possibility to get into the next round. What we looked for against Chelsea was to find what Quique wanted, which was an adequate system for our team’s abilities. We had the match under control after Kun’s 1-0, but what we wanted was to find the rhythm to help the team function again.

What did Quique say after the match against Chelsea?

He didn’t say anything in particular. He shook our hands and talked about punctual things during the match. But nothing in particular. What’s true is that you really can’t say much right after matches.

Porto and Chelsea are both big clubs. But doesn’t it hurt to be out of the Champions League when there’s still two matches left to be played?

What’s difficult is not being eliminated, but to be so low in the group and to be in relegation zone. That’s what is difficult. In these first few months, we didn’t play well in the League nor in the Champions League. And now what we have left is to qualify for the Europe League.

Last year, the team didn’t lose once in Europe after 8 matches. In this one, you haven’t won out of the four. What happened to you guys in this competition?

It’s not only the CL. It’s general because we have only won one match in all competitions. The match against Chelsea was positive because we did well and we made chances. We controlled the match, something which is very positive. Just like they had chances as well. This is fundamental in order to keep on working toward what Quique wants.

Now it’s your turn to battle against APOEL for third place. Isn’t this an objective that wouldn’t be too ambitious for a squad like Atlético? Are you motivated?

The Europa League is still motivation for us. It’s true that the Champions League is an important tournament, but we’re not in contention any more and we must look ahead. And there’s nothing else but the Europa League.

And in that path, you run into Real Madrid. Do you think that a victory over your biggest rival will help you forget the disaster of being eliminated from the CL?

We were all aware of the situation. What we need to do is fight so that the team goes back to what it once was. We’re the same players and we need to gel as soon as possible.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence have an effect?

He is, without a doubt, one of the best players in the world. Real Madrid has played some matches without him, but they still have a squad with great players. They’re one point from Barcelona and that says it all. Cristiano is a great player, but whoever takes his place will do just as well.

You and Higuain arrived to Europe very young, to big clubs and you had to work hard to make your place. What do you think about the Argentine striker?

El Pipita is a great player. He’s growing more and more and his progression as a player hasn’t stalled.

Pellegrini was your manager at Villarreal. Do you still keep in touch with him? Have you talked about the crisis in Madrid?

No, I don’t keep in touch with Pellegrini.

What do you think about the new Real Madrid? Do you find the criticism a little exaggerated for a team that’s second in the league?

The criticism is understandable. The players at Real Madrid are very experienced and know that at big clubs, there are many comments and critics. But the league is long. They’re a point from the lead and despite that, there is always a but.

What do you think about the debate over Raul starting, the other number 7 of the derby?

He has been at Madrid for a long time and has scored an infinity of goals. He has sacrificed much. There aren’t words to define Raul. His career is untouchable. He’s a great player that doesn’t play in the position that he’s best in, inside the box.

Which one of Real’s weak points will you try to take advantage of this Saturday?

We have to try hard during these matches. We must give our all, despite them having a great team. The example that we’ll be following is the match against Chelsea. We played them well and we ended up achieving a draw.

What does a player at a big club think when he sees his team in the relegation zone?

It feels bad to see us in such an uncomfortable situation. But it was worse before, because in addition to being so low we weren’t doing well in the football aspect. In the last matches, we demonstrated that we’re more confident, worked harder, and were more united. We’re in relegation zone, but it’s still a long path. We’re sure that we’ll keep on working to improve and to achieve results fast.

Has the club’s institutional crisis affected the team?

We really don’t care. We need to isolate ourselves from that environment and from the problems. Our job is to work on the pitch for what Quique wants and asks of us. We have to work together more by the day.

Does the team really have enough time and quality to re-enter the CL like Quique said during his presentation? Which teams will be your greatest rivals?

It’s complicated. There are many teams that are just as strong and it’s hard just to say names. We need to work hard and collect points to climb back up.

How far ahead is Real Madrid and Barcelona from the rest of the teams?

We are very behind. In recent fixtures, some teams have equaled them talent wise. But Barcelona, in a football aspect, is a step ahead of the rest of the teams. In Spain and in the world.

Has there been contact with Real Madrid and Barcelona’s people in the past summer?

I don’t know if anything was certain. I knew there were rumors and I don’t know if they were true or not. I’m not interested.

Do you regret continuing at Atlético? Do you think you will finish your career here?

I haven’t signed the renewal yet. We’re almost there. I’m very happy and don’t regret continuing here, but it’s too soon to know if I’ll finish my career here.

Next week is the World Cup playoff against Costa Rica. What does this playoff mean to you and to a country like Uruguay?

The playoff is very important, and vital. What’s more important is to qualify because it’s important to the entire country. We need to win and go to South Africa.

At Uruguay you share the attacking roles with Luis Suarez, a forward that has been mentioned as a possible signing for your club. Do you think that he’ll join you in playing under the same Atlético badge?

I have a good relationship with Luis because we play together on the national team. If he signs here, he’ll be welcomed

Not too long ago you received your second Golden boot. Nobody has won this prize three times in Europe. Do you wish to win it a third time?

A third Golden boot would be incredible. But it’s nothing easy because like you said, nobody has done it yet. I’m already happy having won two. The first was nice. The second, incredible.

What has Quique brought within his first week? Do you notice his work?

Quique has worked a lot tactic wise, also in organizing the team in many aspects. There isn’t much time between matches and we need to assimilate quickly to what we’re learning.

Was sacking Abel the solution to the problems, or the obvious action for the club in a moment of crisis?

Unfortunately, in football you run into this circumstances and when a team isn’t well, the first thing to do is to sack the manager.

Do you want to send a message to the supporters?

To the supporters, I say that we aren’t well, but to have patience with us. We want to win and bring many joys to the people.

Here’s a post-match interview from AS, translated from Spanish:

Kun, has this been your best match in the ninety-nine that you’ve played with Atlético Madrid, or at least, the one you’ve enjoyed the most?

To be honest, I’m just happy and so is the team. Forlán was sensational the whole time, and so was the defense, and by luck I also had a good game and the team won, which is what’s important.

Which one of your two goals was your favorite?

The first was good, but I liked the last one I scored. The match was ending and it was a joy to seal the match that way. I was happy and even happier for the supporters, which is why I celebrated so much.

Do you now know what it’s like to be an Atleti supporter? On nights like these, a fan celebrates much…

Yes, it’s true that there’s a ton of Atleti diehards. Last night, I think that the 55,000 that were there enjoyed the match and I hope that the following matches are similar.

How does it feel when the entire world is screaming your name, and when you score two goals like the ones you did to a team like Barça?

To be honest, it was something beautiful. First of all, you don’t expect to win in this fashion, with so many goals and such a suspenseful ending. And of course, when you make the difference in the end and you’re celebrating it, seeing how the people are so happy… it pleases me to see the supporters this happy. For my and for the team, it was very pleasing.

All the bad temptations to leave gotten past you, right?

As of now I’m happy at Atlético and if the club wants me to stay, I’ll stay.

Man, of course the club and the fans want to keep you, what happens is that after nights like the one against Barcelona, there are more teams the begin to want you…

Well, every time that you do well you’ll get offers, but like I said before, if a player is comfortable and happy at their club it’s impossible to leave it. There’s no reason to leave.

Do you have any goals in store for the visit to the Bernabeu this Sunday?

Hopefully, God hears me out, because it’ll be a good match and well, if I’m not in the zone, hopefully Forlán is so we can win.

Because of playing style, is it harder to play against Madrid than against Barcelona?

They’re different, but Barça has more quality players and they attack more. Madrid also attacks, but not as much as Barça and I think that if we play like we did on Sunday, as a team and the 4 attackers hurting the opposition, things will go well in the derby.

Hey Kun, how’s Benjamin?

Well, Benjamin is still a few days old and I finally took him to the pitch, and by luck we won the match and I scored for him.

You should probably take him to the Bernabeu, eh?

Yeah, we’ll try to take him to the Bernabeu. He’s a good kid, and luckily he doesn’t cry too much. He wiggles a lot, but he doesn’t kick yet. I’ve changed his diapers a few times, because if someone wants to have a kid, they have to do everything!

Assunçao gave an interview to Madrid-based sports publication AS and talks about his time both at Porto and Atlético, and what he’s thinking going into the match. Translated from Spanish.

-

How do you think you’ll be received by the Porto fans during the Champions League fixtures?

I don’t know. Their stadium was my home. To me, it’ll be like any other match. I should be concentrated on Atletico. If the support treats me well, all the better. If not, nothing will happen.

You received threats pressuring you to renew. Are you afraid of returning to Oporto because of this?

I’m not afraid of returning to Oporto. I’m going there to do my job. I’m indebted to Atlético. I only want to play.

Those threats did affect you, even though the “Dragons” supporters already had respect for you.

Yes. The support always treated me well, because I won titles there. My contract was running up and I didn’t want to renew it. I like to think that those who threatened me weren’t true Porto fans after all.

It was a hard time.

Yes. That’s true. One day after leaving training, I was approached by people with masks and they told me that they would shoot my legs if I didn’t renew. After that incident, I felt worried for my loved ones: my wife and my daughter. I had to hire security. But that incident has passed.

In this fixture, will it be a special match for you?

Playing in the Champions League, and especially against my old club, is great. It’ll be hard because Porto is playing well and is in first place in their league. However, we have a great squad and team. It’ll be a match to watch.

Does your squad think that Porto is a team that’s easier to get past than teams such as Manchester United, Juventus, or Bayern?

In the Champions League, there aren’t any easy teams. In this match, we have to be concentrated and calm. Every little detail is important in this competition.

Is it a disadvantage to Atlético to have to play the second leg in Portugal?

No. Atlético is ready to win at any stadium. We have good mentality from our players and we’re ready to win here in Madrid or at any other stadium.

You know Do Dragao well. Will the supporters try to show hostility towards the rojiblancos?

They’ll try to mount pressure on us. The moment we step onto the pitch, we need to forget about which environment we’re playing in. when doing a good job, there’s no pressure.

The most important thing would be to get a good result at the Calderon.

Of course. If we achieve a good result, the better.

You know them well. Have your teammates and coach asked you about the style and players of Porto?

Porto has a great team. They have many quality players and this year they’ve made great signings.

What players would you single out from their team?

Lucho Gonzalez is a great player and controls the ball like a genius, there’s also quality in Lisandro and Hulk, and the keeper too, Helton.

All those players you mentioned are offense players, minus Helton. Then is their defense the weakest part of the team?

They have great forwards. But they have to be careful because we have Simao, Maxi, Aguero, and Forlan. We’re a very offense minded team. It’ll be complicated for them if we’re concentrated. Without a doubt, their coach, Jesualdo Ferreira, I know him well, and he works hard on the defense of the team.

You seem happy and determined for Atlético’s perfection.

I’m very happy. All my friends have helped me a lot so things wouldn’t be difficult.

How well do you think the rest of this year will go for you at Atlético?

It’s a great year so far. We’re in a tough competition, but we’re not doing that bad.

Is the Spanish league like you thought it would be?

It’s one of the best competitions in the world. It’s complicated and I’ve wanted to play here for a while.

Why did you pick Atlético Madrid?

I knew them through the media. When I was in Portugal, I would watch their matches on TV and I thought they were great. That’s why I was anxious to play for Atletico.

In addition, you’ve made yourself a place on the team.

Yes. I’m happy about this. I’m my made place in the starting XI. Also, every time I train and play matches, I feel better.

What do you think about the slump that the team is facing?

We once had a good streak before we left for vacation in December as 3rd place. Without a doubt, we arrived from break to play a hard match against Valencia and then we faced Barcelona. That wasn’t helpful. But now, the team is gaining their form little by little and is getting stronger. We’re willing to return to winning.

In the past few matches at home, the supporters have shown their doubts. Has the squad felt comfortable playing at the Calderon? Or have the jeers pressured the players even more?

We need to do our job, which is to concentrate on the match and achieve our objective to win. The supporters pay to watch and they have their right to protest. We need to win playing either pretty or ugly.

What do you expect from the team?

Our main objective is to qualify for the Champions League. The further we can get into this competition, the better.

———————————

I’m skipping a review from last night’s match to Sevilla (we lost 1-0) to concentrate on writing the preview for Tuesday’s match. Basically, we deserved more from yesterday’s match and although we have more spark than we did all of 2009, we still can’t f’ing score. The match could’ve gone either way. Plus, Perea is out for a month for that nasty collision in the first few minutes of the match. The only upside is that Atleti seem to have gained more confidence, and there’s plenty of season left to collect points.

That makes it 8 points behind Sevilla. Fourth place isn’t all that bad, plus we host our direct rivals for that place (Villarreal and Valencia) at home later this season. Atlético isn’t finished. Aupa!!

Aguirre sat down with Atlético-supporting journalists in Spain to have a personal chat with them, where they were welcome to talk to him freely and express their opinions on the team. The laid-back Mexican babbled on and on and put on a positive face during a negative moment of the season.

He had kind words to say about Hugo Sanchez, Almeria coach.

“Hugo? He looked well, and very motivated. He was really into the game and he felt like he had a role. I know Hugo well, and he likes to feel like he has a part in the team. When he had to leave the Mexican national team after they didn’t qualify for the Olympics, he was heavily criticized. The press destroyed the poor guy! He left the team scathed…”

On his players:

“It’s true that we need players that can excel in big games. Last season, it felt like the team would split in two. Ever Banega arrived, who plays more on the offense than in the defense, he’s a 5 or an 8 but not exactly the player that we were looking for. We got back Maniche, and Raul Garcia can also play in the center midfield… but it seems like we’re missing that piece, a player that can connect. I have no complaints about Kun and Forlán, last season they scored 18 and 16 goals, and so far they have 12 and 9. They’re doing above their expectations.”

On his criticism:

“I’m strong. Believe me! I have a solid contract. If we get into the Champions League next season, I’m assured a renewal. And I want to continue. We’re going to Málaga to win, and to make up for lost time. I’m feeling positive, and it feels like I’m driving a Formula 1 and I don’t feel like slowing down. I’ve been through a lot at other clubs, and to be here at Atlético is something I can’t let go of only because I’m criticized and because we’ve lost three in a row. Deep inside, I’m fortunate to even have a job considering the levels of unemployment in the world. I remember something that my son Iñaki told me when he was hearing chants in the stadium against me. I told him, “Don’t worry son” and he said, “No, you don’t worry, because you’re the one that they want sacked”. From day one at a club like this, the atmosphere doesn’t really change. Someone who doesn’t understand this can’t succeed here. What manager hasn’t been questioned before? Guardiola? What happened when Barca lost to Numancia and drew at home against Racing? Criticism became nonsense to Guardiola afterwards and it now feels like everyone must surrender to Barca. It’s impressive.”

On the lack of youth products:

“Nacho Camacho has disappeared and that’s my fault. I admit it. It might be because it seems like I’m not counting on him, but he’s training like a champion and it becomes hard on me. Every coach would like two or three players in each position so theres competition. I admit that I’d like to have 8 or 10 players from the academy at my disposal. It’s not good to have only 2 or 3. The players from the club itself help you and defend the club’s crest, because they understand the team’s philosophy behind the crest better than anyone. Last season, I gave everyone a history lesson about Atlético so they would know and understand everything behind this club. This year, I actually gave them some illustrations because they’re easier to understand. I’m not saying this for the sake of talking, but at least six or seven B team players will join the first team soon.”

On the negative aura in the squad:

“Do you think that what the players have told the press are against me? I don’t think so. It’s good that they got their thoughts off of their chest. They say some things to the press but keep everything else within the team because they’re really worried after the past results. Divided groups in the dressing room? Negative atmosphere? I don’t think so. I’m being honest too. Even if there are groups in the dressing room, it’s because of friendship, ideas, language, and it doesn’t mean that the team is divided on the pitch. We all bust our butts off there.”

Finally, he ended things off saying, “I assure you that this team hasn’t changed throughout the season. It’s the same dressing room, same coach, same players, and same system. The only difference are the results.”

It’s good that he feels positive, but as long as he acknowledges that there are some factors that need an overhaul, he’s on the right track.

However, the challenge this time is greater as we face FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey. Why oh why did we have to draw Barcelona? Obviously, they are the best team in the world right now and killed the shit out of us back in October with a 6-1 smashing at the Camp Nou (I’m still shaking). “Revenge” is the word being thrown around in rojiblanco circles but against this Barcelona team, can we do it?

There’s that saying that anything can happen in cup tournaments, and I’m hoping that’s as true as ever for tomorrow’s match.

Oh yeah, the Valencia match….

In a way, we suffered the wrath of The David Silva and have nothing to fret about. It still means that we’ve won only one point from playing Barcelona, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Villarreal and Valencia. How the hell are we in 4th/5th place right now after we sucked ass against these top teams? Basically, Atlético proved how they’re the best of the “rest of La Liga”. I don’t want that.

Valencia absolutely schooled Atlético, with two disallowed goals only being a foreshadow of the beating that they would give us. I mentioned that both teams have the similar sense of pizzazz and it’s true. Valencia was flashy, connected well, and rightfully defeated us. It was almost a pleasure to see a team play like that, in the same way it’s a please to see Atlético school teams 4-0 at home.

Obviously I feel bad because Atlético lost, but Valencia also deserve every bit of success considering how well they’re coping after all that debt/president fiasco in 2008 (and before that). I’m no professing any love for Valencia (okay, maybe for David Villa, his hair is so cool) but if any team should snatch that CL spot from us, I would rather have it be them. Well played, amigos.

Now, onto Barcelona…

A quick look at the Barcelona list:

Pinto, Jorquera,
Alves, Víctor Sánchez, Piqué, Cáceres, Abidal, Sylvinho,
Keita, Touré, Busquets, Iniesta,
Pedro, Messi, Bojan, Henry

At first glance, one must think that this squad isn’t at full power because of some absences (Valdes, Xavi, Marquez) but once you see “Messi” on the list, forget that assumption. Messi is the one that makes a difference. Barca can play without him, but he adds that little “something” to the team, so if you can shut him down (you can’t) then you’re a bit safer.

Barca will be going into the game with about half of the team as regular starters and the rest being youth products/players who haven’t played all that much. I highly doubt that we’ll be seeing the Barca of the 6-1 only because 1) it’s a Cup match, they’re usually more intense in the later rounds or in second legs and 2) it’ll be a more even matchup. A slightly watered down Barca squad is equal to a full-powered Atletico squad.

Atletico will have a full squad for the match:

PORTEROS
1 Coupet.
25 Leo Franco.

DEFENSAS
2 Seitaridis.
3 Antonio López.
5 Heitinga.
17 Ujfalusi.
21 Perea.

CENTROCAMPISTAS
11 Maxi.
12 Paulo Assunção.
18 Maniche.
16 Banega.
19 Miguel de las Cuevas.
20 Simão.

DELANTEROS
7 Forlán.
10 Kun Agüero.
14 Sinama-Pongolle.

I can’t really make a prediction for the match. I’ve said this maybe twice already, but you never know what can happen in a Copa match. I expect anything but a Barcelona victory. Not because they can’t do it, because they absolutely can, but because I actually think the match could turn out to be boring, a 0-0 or a 1-1 at best. Sorry for being Captain Putdown.

No fear and plenty of confidence should be enough to get us through this round, in a competition that we have a more likely chance of winning.

I’ll throw in a Kun Aguero interview that I translated from AS, from New Years Eve.

This is your third year with Atlético and you already know how it is to play in the Spanish league and how you must play in a club like this one. How do you value the moment that the team is currently in?

We ended the year how we wanted to, in a Champions League spot. The match against Espanyol was nothing easy but we knew how to control the match and we won three points that put us in 3rd place. Our objective before the Christmas break was to be withing the top 4 and we achieved that.

In the past two months, the team proved to be unstoppable being undefeated in 15 matches, but it’s true that near the beginning you were in a bit of a slump in La Liga.

It’s logical that many teams have bad periods in the Liga, but you can’t forget that many of us teams are in three competitions. We were indeed in a bit of a slump in the beginning of the season and now we’re undefeated in 15 matches. Little by little we have been collecting points to inch closer to those teams above us. Now we must keep our confidence in ourselves and keep up with the streak.

One of the keys in the good performance of the team is the sweet period where you’re among the top teams. What do you have to say about your attacking partners?

Maxi is in a good moment. Simao shines in every match and by luck Cacha (Forlán) and I score goals, also thanks to the labor of the defense, who is proving to be very strong in these matches. We know each other very well and that’s important. Us four are playing many matches and every time you can see an understanding between us, something that undoubtedly helps things go better.

There’s talk about this team having one of the best attacks in Europe. Do you agree?

Everyone says that what shines in this team is the attack, but people must remember that if we had a bad defense we wouldn’t be undefeated in 15 matches. The defense being strong helps the forwards to attack with confidence and tranquility.

What objectives do you have from now to the end of the season? Do you think it’s possible to win a title?

As a team we’re doing very well right now. We can go far in the Champions League; we know that it’s nothing easy, but we’re confident in our possibilities and anything is possible. If we believe that we can make the quarter finals, we definitely will. Confidence is what makes you better. In the Copa del Rey we are matched up with a difficult rival, with Messi in a good moment, but we want to move forward.

It seems like that it’s time for Atlético to be within the big teams. Has the team recovered its feeling as a big club?

Atlético de Madrid has always been a big club, mostly from the players who have played for them. This club has had players with much quality that have ended their careers here and have never left for another team. Day by day Atlético has a competitive roster and players of huge quality within its ranks.

You have received many awards in 2008. Can you say that this has been your best footballing year?

The truth is that 2008 went very well. I’m very grateful and happy for all the awards that have been given to me in the course of the year. I know that the club receives invitations for me from everywhere and it’s an honor for me, and I feel the caringness and presense of the people, not only those of Atletico.

After your good performances there has been much speculation about the interest of many big teams….

I know about the things that are said in the press, but like I’ve always said I never listen to those rumors. I don’t give a damn; I’m only thinking about Atlético de Madrid, and no other club. I work so that we can be happy in June when we look back at what he could achieve. Since I’ve arrived, everyone at the club has treated me well and all I have is words of praise. I’m very happy at Atlético and that’s how it is.

You had to have a short period in which you needed to rest to prevent injury. How did you take it?

I took it well. Both the manager and I knew that I was playing many matches and in any moment there would be a risk of injury. He decided to rest me for a few matches only for safety. During these weeks I trained separately with Oscar Pitillas and now I’m well physically, and I expect to keep that up.

Do you feel responsible for being one of the main players of the team?

I’m just an extra player in Atlético Madrid, I have no more responsibility to play or make things better for the team. I’m sure that the bigger responsibility belongs to other players. I’m having a good moment only because the team is strong and you can see that on the pitch. When a player is happy at his club, it’s reflected onto the pitch.

How has your life changed since you arrived in Spain?

When I arrived in Madrid it was the first time that I left my country, Argentina, and I was very young. Since that day many things have happened and they were all good. This club has given me the possibility to learn much not only on the pitch, but outside of it, but there’s still a long road ahead and I want to overtake it. I want to experience much right now because I’m still young.

What do you think about the future stadium and sport city that is being planned?

This club will be first in these kinds of things, within the best in the world, with everything that it’s proposing. I think that it’s proving that with these two ambitious projects. It will be spectacular. Us as players must play well in order to reflect ambitions like these. Hopefully we can all enjoy this.

I assume this was a pleasant vacation because the team was in a good position. Where and how did you spend your Christmas?

It was the first time I stayed in Spain for Christmas Eve and Christmas, because I always went to Argentina. I’m happy to have spent these feasts in Madrid, although I admit that I thought much about Valencia, because it’s the first match after our vacation is over. We want to begin the year where we left things off…

What do you ask for in 2009?

I hope that we can go far into the Champions League and I’d like to fight until the end in other competitions.