Aguirre: Atlético Deserve To Be In Last 16

It's been a long time coming but Atlético Madrid look as though they are going to make their time in the Champions League count this season.

The Spanish side assured their qualification into the last16 with a 2-1 win over PSV this evening and speaking afterwards, coach Javier Aguirre believes this is where they belong.

"After so many years out of Europe it was important to do well and to get off to a good start," he told Marca.

"The club took a step forward today. We are one of the 16 best teams in Europe and we deserve to be here. We are one of the bigger clubs and, year after year, we much reach this stage."

At one stage however, it didn't look as though Atlético would even make the Champions League proper after a 1-0 loss to Schalke in qualifying back in August. Aguirre says that now they are here though, everything is good.

"I spoke with the directors before the Schalke game and we knew it was key to get into the group stage. It was key to make it there and then to qualify," he mused.

"After now, everything that happens will be good. I am very happy and proud of the team. The people can be proud of what their team are doing in Europe and I hope it will last."

Atlético were playing in front of an empty stadium tonight after their UEFA sanction and Aguirre heaped praise on those fans who shouted to the players from outside the ground.

"It makes me feel great emotionally, because to go out in the streets, to be cold, to not even see the game but still encourage the players from outside, that is special for Atlético. The players knew it, they were aware, and it helped them be victorious," he declared.

"The main actors are the players, but the fans...They form the spectacle, they make it, the colour, the surroundings, the framework. The public are indispensable to the game."


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