imanol idiakez — Imanol Idiakez, the head coach of AEK, recently shared his insights on the club’s remarkable victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. This win stands out as a defining moment in his third stint with the team, showcasing both his deep connection to the club and the evolving landscape of European competition.
Imanol idiakez: Celebrating a Historic Victory
Idiakez described the triumph against Crystal Palace as a rare surprise that will remain etched in his memory. “The win there was one of those surprises that stay with you forever,” he noted, highlighting the significance of this achievement for both the players and the fans. It is a testament to the team’s resilience and tactical prowess, especially considering the difficulties faced in European tournaments.
Building on a Strong Foundation
In discussing his long-standing relationship with AEK, Idiakez expressed gratitude for the loyalty and affection he has received from the club. “It’s not common to return three times, but this club has shown me a lot of love. I know what to expect here and feel comfortable. My goal is to fulfil the dreams that remained uncompleted during my previous tenures,” he explained. This familiarity gives him a solid foundation to build upon as the team navigates this challenging season.
The Challenges of European Competition
As AEK prepares for their upcoming matches in the Conference League, Idiakez reflected on the arduous journey through the qualifying rounds. “To enter the group stage, you must pass through four rounds. It’s incredibly tough. For a club like ours, even qualifying for the Conference League is a success,” he remarked. This perspective underlines the level of competition in European football and the importance of every achievement.
Assessing the Competition
When discussing AEK’s recent performances, particularly against AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace, Idiakez acknowledged that even when Crystal Palace were down to ten men, the challenge remained significant. “We played a fantastic match even though they were reduced to ten players. AZ is an excellent team. If we played Crystal Palace a hundred times, we would win once… and that was it,” he stated, illustrating the unpredictable nature of football at this level.
Managing Expectations in Europe
With the upcoming fixtures against Rijeka, Hacken, and Skendija, there is a palpable sense of optimism among the fans. However, Idiakez cautioned against overconfidence: “Now some believe we will easily defeat our opponents. That is not the case. In Europe, everything is challenging. With one point or five, we’ll find ourselves in the next round, depending on how things unfold,” he advised. This reminder of the competitive landscape is crucial for maintaining focus.
The Evolving Landscape of Cypriot Football
In broader terms, Idiakez also addressed the changing dynamics of the Cypriot league. “It is a much stronger league than it appears from Spain. Aris and Paphos have changed the landscape. The level of competition has risen significantly,” he asserted, highlighting the increasing quality of football in the region. This evolution has implications for AEK as they aim to establish themselves both domestically and in Europe.
Navigating Fixtures and Player Availability
Transitioning from domestic to European matches poses its own set of challenges. Idiakez noted that there are weeks when player availability is uncertain, especially after a period where nine players were unavailable. “Travel, preparation… it’s incredibly tough for players who are not used to playing two matches a week,” he explained. This insight into player management reveals the complexities faced by coaches in modern football.
Collaboration with Inigo Idiakez
Working alongside his brother Inigo, Idiakez shared how their relationship enhances their professional dynamic. “We know how to separate the personal from the professional, and we complement each other very well. We watch Spanish football all day—first division, second division, La Liga… anything we can,” he stated. This synergy is crucial as they strive to develop the team’s strategy.
Aiming for European Qualification and Championship Glory
Looking ahead, Idiakez outlined the team’s ambitions for the season. “The goal is to qualify for Europe. The dream is to win the championship for the first time. And that desire remains strong,” he emphasised. This aspiration fuels the team’s motivation as they strive for success on multiple fronts.
Support from Spain and Beyond
The support from fans back in Spain has been invaluable to Idiakez and the club. “For a club like ours, the experience of this moment is precious. We want to extend it,” he concluded, reflecting on the broader implications of their achievements. The connection with fans is a vital aspect of the club’s identity and success.
