Abel Aguilar has told his Deportivo teammates to dream big when travelling out to Atletico Madrid this weekend.
The Colombian and his side find themselves in 19th spot in the table after the first 14 rounds of action, and on a run of just one win recorded in the League since the first day of the season.
However, even in visiting the Vicente Calderon this Sunday evening aware that 20 of the previous 22 teams to have played away to Atleti in all competitions have lost, Aguilar wants to see ambition in his dressing room.
“We cannot go to the Calderon thinking that we will lose, that nothing can be done because the opponent is a great team,” began the midfielder to reporters in anticipation of the weekend trip.
“We are in a situation where we cannot think like that. We must go out there to win. We have to think that we can win. When the situation is bad it is when we need to be most confident in our work.
“In pinpointing some things in the team, everything should change. We must be calm, the game with Atleti is a motivational boost for us.”
Primarily so for Aguilar, who will face international colleague Radamel Falcao.
“Falcao scores goals because he has assistants, players that give him many chances. We have to stay focused. He is a player that that always looks forward, he always wants more, he doesn’t settle for anything.
“As a teammate I admire him a lot for his delivery and ability, but I will try to beat him in every duel this weekend.
“We must be together as a team and not give him any space, because with space, he is very dangerous, for his mobility.”
Aguilar was the latest to speak up in support of Coach Jose Luis Oltra, who has faced criticism this week for his in-game decision-making during last weekend’s 3-2 home defeat to Real Betis.
“When the results have not come, people look for someone to talk about and find ways for change, but we are with him and are clam, we share in his idea and work.
“Last weekend’s game was there to win, rather than draw. We in the field believed that we could do it. it was a time to take a step forward and the Coach wanted to win.
“With the result going against us people may think otherwise, but we will always go along with the Coach’s decisions.”
