‘Atletico must earn prestige’

Raul Garcia reflected on the motivation for him and his Atletico Madrid teammates in continuing to work every game.

Los Colchoneros picked up a fourth straight win in the Champions League on Wednesday evening to secure passage to the Last 16 of the tournament.

It has continued a run of form in all competitions that has yielded wins in all but one match so far.

Things are working out well for us this season – we are playing at a high level which is helping us to do what we are doing,” considered Garcia after yesterday’s 4-0 win over Austria Vienna, aided by his well-taken header in the first half.

“We will next be focusing on our Liga games. Prestige is not just something that is given to you, you have to work hard to earn it.

“We are enjoying a good moment where everyone is giving us respect for what we are doing. We have to continue in this manner.

“I'm happy, above all for our having qualified. It was our objective to do so from the start and the fact that we have achieved our passage through with two games to spare means we should be delighted.

“I'm also content on a personal level. It's true that every player wants to play as much as possible and to the best of their ability.

“The closer to the opposition area I play, the more comfortable I feel. As I always say, however, the Coach is the one who decides and in whatever position I will look to bring something. I try to do well when I am chosen to play.”