Well, At Least Aguirre Feels Positive

By: Al | January 20th, 2009

It must stink to be Javier Aguirre right now. When your team is under-performing and some of the angriest fans in Spain are chanting for your exit (and other bad things), it’s kind of hard to not feel pressure. He may always look angry, but manager Javier Aguirre feels happy and is ready to move forward.

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.