Paulo Assuncao Believes In Atlético Madrid Unity

Paulo Assuncao has said today that he thinks Atlético Madrid are still capable of competing for the Champions League places this season.

The midfielder, who joined the Spanish side from Porto last summer, told Marca that he remembers when they were second, and he believes they can reach those heights again.

"We are good, united and prepared. We have failed to win in 2009, but we got good results in December, we were in second place, and now we must recover that rhythm," he mused.

"With this same team and coach we obtained second place, now we have to work the same and reach it again. We have the team to do it."

Naturally the team has come under some criticism for not winning this year, but the Portuguese international said this is, 'normal', and believes the team has to, 'unite more each time, raise their heads, and get the win.'

Despite being three points behind Valencia at the moment, Assuncao also declared that he thinks his side will reach their goal of finishing in the top four this year.

"We are a good group of players and we will achieve our Champions League goal. It is the second-half, there are many games, and the objective becomes closer," he opined.

The former Porto man did admit though that the fans have 'a right to protest,' before looking forward to their clash with Málaga this weekend.

"We are training well.When we were on holiday we were second, and we are working just the same, but not winning. Now we will try to win against Málaga, and that will be hard. We are coaching well though, and the players and the coach seek the same objective; the Champions League places," he declared.

Assuncao was also questioned about the meeting with his former side in the Champions League next month, but said he is not thinking about it yet.

"I have not thought it, because it is still far away, I am thinking about Sunday. Later I will think about Porto," he concluded.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com