Goals from Luis Prieto and Victor helped seal a 2-1 win for Vicente Calderon visitors Valladolid this afternoon, heaping further misery onto Atletico coach Javier Aguirre amid fears he may be sacked in the week ahead.
Atletico's form in the month of January has been shocking, particularly in the defeats to Valencia and Athletic Bilbao, and their winless run has seen them slip further away from the coveted Champions League positions.
The Atletico supporters are becoming increasingly vocal regarding the position of Aguirre and the standard of football that his side are producing, but the man himself is not concerned about losing his job.
He told journalists, "Am I afraid for my job? I have had nothing communicated to me about this so no, I am not.
"I have signed a contract here and I have not heard anything to suggest that the contract will end before its terms have been met."
Not An Issue
Aguirre was defiant in the face of a barrage of questions regarding whether he may walk away before he is sacked.
Noticeably frustrated, he said, "I do not understand how this is an issue right now. It is clear to me that this is a bad day in my job.
"If I did not see a reaction from the players in the dressing room, I would be worried, but I have faith in my work with them. I hope soon we are talking about something else."
Next weekends' clash away to Recreativo has now became pivotal to the future of Aguirre and Atletico - whether he believes it to be true or not.
Paul Macdonald, Goal.com
Atlético Madrid’s Johnny Heitinga Unconcerned By Criticism
Newcastle United After Atlético Madrid’s Luis García - Reports
Crew add Iribarren to coaching staff
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Mauricio Pochettino Angry At Two Points Dropped
Espanyol were moments away from a vital three points at home to Recreativo this afternoon until a last-minute equaliser meant they had to settle for only one in what was a huge setback in their battle against relegation.
Defender Nicolas Pareja had given Los Pericos a 64th minute lead which had looked to be enough for the win, but in the last minute goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was sent packing for bringing down Marco Ruben, and the striker brushed himself off and slotted the penalty home to earn his side a point.
It was a hammer blow for Pochettino and he understood the significance of the result. He said, "I am angry. I know these things happen in football but the fact it happened against one of our close rivals it feels worse.
"I am obviously going to be mad at dropping two points, but we have to take these situations and hope to reverse them next week."
Closing The Gap
Pochettino pointed to the fact Espanyol have cut the gap at the bottom to three points from five in two weeks.
He added, "We can look at it positively - the fact that we have closed the gap in the relegation zone. I am optimistic that we can take three points against Getafe. The league is not over yet."
Paul Macdonald, Goal.com
Sampdoria’s Bruno Fornaroli To Espanyol Or Betis – Agent
Kljestan’s hat trick leads U.S. past Sweden
Spirits high as Chivas USA camp opens
Defender Nicolas Pareja had given Los Pericos a 64th minute lead which had looked to be enough for the win, but in the last minute goalkeeper Carlos Kameni was sent packing for bringing down Marco Ruben, and the striker brushed himself off and slotted the penalty home to earn his side a point.
It was a hammer blow for Pochettino and he understood the significance of the result. He said, "I am angry. I know these things happen in football but the fact it happened against one of our close rivals it feels worse.
"I am obviously going to be mad at dropping two points, but we have to take these situations and hope to reverse them next week."
Closing The Gap
Pochettino pointed to the fact Espanyol have cut the gap at the bottom to three points from five in two weeks.
He added, "We can look at it positively - the fact that we have closed the gap in the relegation zone. I am optimistic that we can take three points against Getafe. The league is not over yet."
Paul Macdonald, Goal.com
Sampdoria’s Bruno Fornaroli To Espanyol Or Betis – Agent
Kljestan’s hat trick leads U.S. past Sweden
Spirits high as Chivas USA camp opens
Player Ratings: Racing Santander 1-2 Barcelona
RACING SANTANDER
Toño 6 - There was little he could do about either goal. He looked confident when the ball came into the area and he was able to claim it.
Valera 6 - The entire Racing rearguard looked very assured before Messi came on and caused the mayhem that saw him win the game for the visitors.
César Navas 6.5 - Two fouls on Iniesta may have helped stop Barça in the first half and he should be pleased with his own performance.
Oriol 6 - Made a great tackle in the area on Alves and that would have been harsh to see a penalty given against him, which is what the Barça star wanted.
Marcano 6 - Did what was asked of him as he maintained his position and denied the Blaugrana forward line effectively.
Lacen 5.5 - Also put in some hefty challenges as he looked to impose himself on the game, and while he did that on occasion, it was not often enough.
Colsa 6 - Often good going forward, his restrictive instructions meant that he had to sit back and not push up as he would have liked.
Munitis 7- Racing's best player as he looked to cause problems throughout the second period and will be unhappy his side lost.
Toni Moral 6 - Looked comfortable going to the right after being called in to replace Óscar Serrano and was very unfortunate to go off after a bad tackle.
Pereira 6.5 - Was also very quiet after the break, but could have scored in the first half when having two clear shots at goal.
Zigic 5 - Only made it to a five due to the fact that he scored from the spot, because other than that, he was virtually anonymous.
Subs
Sepsi 5.5 - Did well as he had a lot of work to do tracking back to cover Messi, but he was unable to stop the Argentinian.
Tchité 5 - Busied himself and was fouled a couple of times although he was unable to test Valdés.
Luccin 5.5 - Came on in injury time and was able to just jog about a bit before the final whistle blew.
BARCELONA
Valdés 6.5 - Made a good save early on and showed assured handling while not having much to do, as even the goal he conceded was from the penalty spot.
Abidal 6.5 - Had a strong first half down the left, but was somewhat withdrawn after the break as he held back from going forward and focussed on defending.
Piqué 6 - His didstribution is never great, but the bulky defender coped well with the challenge of keeping Zigic quiet before being sent off for a second yellow card in the last minute.
Márquez 5 - Was unfortunate to give away the penalty, but it was a clumsy challenge and that card led to his sending off for a second booking in the closing minutes.
Alves 6.5 - Another lively display, but he could not provide the crosses to trouble Racing, but he may feel aggrieved to have been booked for diving.
Touré 6 - His holding performance was effective as he coped with a busy Racing midfield and did well to break up their forward movement.
Busquets 6 - Put himself about, but against a team that sat back and would only be opened by something special, he was taken off for Messi.
Xavi 7.5 - Creative throughout and he pulled the string as usual as Barça probed and he was unlucky not to have scored with a header that hit the bar.
Iniesta 6.5 - Showed some very good touches and was lively across the area, but he was unable to produce that moment of magic to open his team's account.
Henry 4.5 - Could not find a way through down the left flank and was shown how to do it by Messi, when he should have been able to offer a lot more.
Eto'o 5.5 - Wanted a goal to make it to 100 goals, but never looked likely to score and was consistently blocked out by the busy Racing defence.
Subs
Messi 9 - What more could Guardiola ask for than for the man that everyone was waiting for to go on and single-handedly win his team the game?
Gudjohnsen 5.5 - Had no time to make any great difference to the game when he came on to shore things up in midfeld.
Cáceres 5.5 - Entered the fray in the closing moments after Márquez was sent off and could not do much either.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
Kljestan’s hat trick leads U.S. past Sweden
Dynamo introduce 18-year-old striker
Atlético Madrid’s Johnny Heitinga Unconcerned By Criticism
Barcelona Are The Perfect Team For Me - Dani Alves
Toño 6 - There was little he could do about either goal. He looked confident when the ball came into the area and he was able to claim it.
Valera 6 - The entire Racing rearguard looked very assured before Messi came on and caused the mayhem that saw him win the game for the visitors.
César Navas 6.5 - Two fouls on Iniesta may have helped stop Barça in the first half and he should be pleased with his own performance.
Oriol 6 - Made a great tackle in the area on Alves and that would have been harsh to see a penalty given against him, which is what the Barça star wanted.
Marcano 6 - Did what was asked of him as he maintained his position and denied the Blaugrana forward line effectively.
Lacen 5.5 - Also put in some hefty challenges as he looked to impose himself on the game, and while he did that on occasion, it was not often enough.
Colsa 6 - Often good going forward, his restrictive instructions meant that he had to sit back and not push up as he would have liked.
Munitis 7- Racing's best player as he looked to cause problems throughout the second period and will be unhappy his side lost.
Toni Moral 6 - Looked comfortable going to the right after being called in to replace Óscar Serrano and was very unfortunate to go off after a bad tackle.
Pereira 6.5 - Was also very quiet after the break, but could have scored in the first half when having two clear shots at goal.
Zigic 5 - Only made it to a five due to the fact that he scored from the spot, because other than that, he was virtually anonymous.
Subs
Sepsi 5.5 - Did well as he had a lot of work to do tracking back to cover Messi, but he was unable to stop the Argentinian.
Tchité 5 - Busied himself and was fouled a couple of times although he was unable to test Valdés.
Luccin 5.5 - Came on in injury time and was able to just jog about a bit before the final whistle blew.
BARCELONA
Valdés 6.5 - Made a good save early on and showed assured handling while not having much to do, as even the goal he conceded was from the penalty spot.
Abidal 6.5 - Had a strong first half down the left, but was somewhat withdrawn after the break as he held back from going forward and focussed on defending.
Piqué 6 - His didstribution is never great, but the bulky defender coped well with the challenge of keeping Zigic quiet before being sent off for a second yellow card in the last minute.
Márquez 5 - Was unfortunate to give away the penalty, but it was a clumsy challenge and that card led to his sending off for a second booking in the closing minutes.
Alves 6.5 - Another lively display, but he could not provide the crosses to trouble Racing, but he may feel aggrieved to have been booked for diving.
Touré 6 - His holding performance was effective as he coped with a busy Racing midfield and did well to break up their forward movement.
Busquets 6 - Put himself about, but against a team that sat back and would only be opened by something special, he was taken off for Messi.
Xavi 7.5 - Creative throughout and he pulled the string as usual as Barça probed and he was unlucky not to have scored with a header that hit the bar.
Iniesta 6.5 - Showed some very good touches and was lively across the area, but he was unable to produce that moment of magic to open his team's account.
Henry 4.5 - Could not find a way through down the left flank and was shown how to do it by Messi, when he should have been able to offer a lot more.
Eto'o 5.5 - Wanted a goal to make it to 100 goals, but never looked likely to score and was consistently blocked out by the busy Racing defence.
Subs
Messi 9 - What more could Guardiola ask for than for the man that everyone was waiting for to go on and single-handedly win his team the game?
Gudjohnsen 5.5 - Had no time to make any great difference to the game when he came on to shore things up in midfeld.
Cáceres 5.5 - Entered the fray in the closing moments after Márquez was sent off and could not do much either.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
Kljestan’s hat trick leads U.S. past Sweden
Dynamo introduce 18-year-old striker
Atlético Madrid’s Johnny Heitinga Unconcerned By Criticism
Barcelona Are The Perfect Team For Me - Dani Alves
Player Ratings: Numancia 0-2 Real Madrid
NUMANCIA
Juan Pablo 5.5 - Even though he conceded twice he didn't actually much to do, but maybe could have done better with the effort from Higuaín that he palmed to Raúl though.
Juanra 6 - Got forward on a few occasions and defended reasonably well too, not a bad performance from the left-back.
Boris 5.5 - Looked very strong in the air for most of the match but probably should have scored early on when he beat Diarra to a header from close range.
Ortega 5.5 - Did well for the first-half but then in the second he seemed to run out of steam a bit and drifted towards the ball too much.
Cisma 5.5 - Like most of the other defenders, he was good first-half, but then after the break, when Real Madrid went up a gear, he had a tougher time of it, and got beaten a few times. Did attack well though and put some good balls into the box.
Nagore 6 - Battled hard in the middle of the pitch and even though he didn't offer much going forward, his coach will be satisfied with his display.
Del Pino 6.5 - One of the better Numancia players on the night. Worked hard in the midfield, both at the back and offensively, and the only qualm would be that he didn't score his chance when it came, and rather hit the post with his header.
Barkero 6 - The creative talent for his side but he was never allowed to really get into the game much and only showed glimpses of his skill.
Gorka Brit 5.5 - Tried hard up front but wasn't clinical enough with the chance he had at the back-post and was taken off just after half-time.
Goiria 5 - Cut a lone figure in attack at times and due to the hard work at the back he did not get the ball much, and missed his golden chance it came by shooting at Casillas.
SUBS
Mario 5.5 - Only on for ten minutes but wasted a couple of balls.
Quero 6 - Played a delightful ball into the box that no-one could get on the end of, but aside from that he was quiet.
Aranda 6 - Didn't really change the game at all.
REAL MADRID
Casillas 6.5 - Hardly had anything to do all match but did make a good save to deny Goiria in the second-half.
Ramos 5 - Certainly not one of his better games at right-back as he got beaten on a few occasions and also committed some very silly and needless challenges. Also nearly gifted Numancia a goal with his poor header back to Casillas.
Pepe 7 - Yet again a very strong display at the back as he worked hard in the air and more importantly cut out the Numancia crosses by being in the right place.
Cannavaro 6.5 - His partnership with Pepe at the back is key for Real Madrid and tonight he was strong and closed down the Numancia forwards well.
Heinze 6 - Didn't too anything spectacular but he defended quite well and offered support when it was needed.
Lassana Diarra 6 - Has certainly impressed since joining Real Madrid but tonight he was not at his best, still didn't too much wrong in the middle of the park for most of the evening though.
Gago 4.5 - Committed a needless late tackle to get booked early on and can't really have any complaints about his second booking later on as it was a poor challenge. Not a game he will remember.
Sneijder 6 - Is not looking at his best in this team and perhaps that is because Ramos is insisting on playing him on the wing. Still didn't do a bad job but not as effective as he is as a central midfielder.
Robben 8 - Yet again the match winner for Real Madrid, as he started the move for the first goal by finding Higuaín and then scored a brilliant and decisive second. Ramos was right to take him off early because he is becoming so important for Real Madrid.
Raúl 6.5 - Difficult to rate the veteran striker because even though he equalled the record set by Alfredo di Stefano for most goals at the club with his tap-in, he did not do much else in the match, and was rarely involved for his side.
Higuaín 5.5 - Worked hard as always but he didnt create much and looked frustrated for much of the evening.
SUBS
Van Der Vaart 6 - Seemed intent on shooting on sight when he came on but didn't really test Juan Pablo at all.
Huntelaar 6 - Didn't get much time to change the game.
Javi García 6 - No time to add anything.
REFEREE
Delgado Ferreiro 6.5 - With a passionate crowd behind them the referee was always going to find it difficult tonight but Ferreiro handled the game well. Correct to send Gago off for his two bookings and overall he did a good job this evening.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
First XI: The early slate
Boluda Coy On Mijatovic’s Real Madrid Future
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
Juan Pablo 5.5 - Even though he conceded twice he didn't actually much to do, but maybe could have done better with the effort from Higuaín that he palmed to Raúl though.
Juanra 6 - Got forward on a few occasions and defended reasonably well too, not a bad performance from the left-back.
Boris 5.5 - Looked very strong in the air for most of the match but probably should have scored early on when he beat Diarra to a header from close range.
Ortega 5.5 - Did well for the first-half but then in the second he seemed to run out of steam a bit and drifted towards the ball too much.
Cisma 5.5 - Like most of the other defenders, he was good first-half, but then after the break, when Real Madrid went up a gear, he had a tougher time of it, and got beaten a few times. Did attack well though and put some good balls into the box.
Nagore 6 - Battled hard in the middle of the pitch and even though he didn't offer much going forward, his coach will be satisfied with his display.
Del Pino 6.5 - One of the better Numancia players on the night. Worked hard in the midfield, both at the back and offensively, and the only qualm would be that he didn't score his chance when it came, and rather hit the post with his header.
Barkero 6 - The creative talent for his side but he was never allowed to really get into the game much and only showed glimpses of his skill.
Gorka Brit 5.5 - Tried hard up front but wasn't clinical enough with the chance he had at the back-post and was taken off just after half-time.
Goiria 5 - Cut a lone figure in attack at times and due to the hard work at the back he did not get the ball much, and missed his golden chance it came by shooting at Casillas.
SUBS
Mario 5.5 - Only on for ten minutes but wasted a couple of balls.
Quero 6 - Played a delightful ball into the box that no-one could get on the end of, but aside from that he was quiet.
Aranda 6 - Didn't really change the game at all.
REAL MADRID
Casillas 6.5 - Hardly had anything to do all match but did make a good save to deny Goiria in the second-half.
Ramos 5 - Certainly not one of his better games at right-back as he got beaten on a few occasions and also committed some very silly and needless challenges. Also nearly gifted Numancia a goal with his poor header back to Casillas.
Pepe 7 - Yet again a very strong display at the back as he worked hard in the air and more importantly cut out the Numancia crosses by being in the right place.
Cannavaro 6.5 - His partnership with Pepe at the back is key for Real Madrid and tonight he was strong and closed down the Numancia forwards well.
Heinze 6 - Didn't too anything spectacular but he defended quite well and offered support when it was needed.
Lassana Diarra 6 - Has certainly impressed since joining Real Madrid but tonight he was not at his best, still didn't too much wrong in the middle of the park for most of the evening though.
Gago 4.5 - Committed a needless late tackle to get booked early on and can't really have any complaints about his second booking later on as it was a poor challenge. Not a game he will remember.
Sneijder 6 - Is not looking at his best in this team and perhaps that is because Ramos is insisting on playing him on the wing. Still didn't do a bad job but not as effective as he is as a central midfielder.
Robben 8 - Yet again the match winner for Real Madrid, as he started the move for the first goal by finding Higuaín and then scored a brilliant and decisive second. Ramos was right to take him off early because he is becoming so important for Real Madrid.
Raúl 6.5 - Difficult to rate the veteran striker because even though he equalled the record set by Alfredo di Stefano for most goals at the club with his tap-in, he did not do much else in the match, and was rarely involved for his side.
Higuaín 5.5 - Worked hard as always but he didnt create much and looked frustrated for much of the evening.
SUBS
Van Der Vaart 6 - Seemed intent on shooting on sight when he came on but didn't really test Juan Pablo at all.
Huntelaar 6 - Didn't get much time to change the game.
Javi García 6 - No time to add anything.
REFEREE
Delgado Ferreiro 6.5 - With a passionate crowd behind them the referee was always going to find it difficult tonight but Ferreiro handled the game well. Correct to send Gago off for his two bookings and overall he did a good job this evening.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
First XI: The early slate
Boluda Coy On Mijatovic’s Real Madrid Future
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
Boluda Coy On Mijatovic's Real Madrid Future
Real Madrid's interim president, Vicente Boluda, is refusing to shed any light on the future of sporting director Predrag Mijatovic.
When asked about the prospect of Mijatovic leaving before the season ends, Boluda told the press, "I have not taken a decision. I will meet with the board and we will decide. At the moment there are no points for or against."
The president then commented on Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Numancia, saying, "I do not understand much about football, but I do understand that winning is good. I want to thank the staff and the coach for their effort in this stupendous performance."
He then touched on the last-minute signing of Julien Faubert, stating, "He will be magnificent. I am sure that he will help the team. The coach wanted a player of his type and we have got him. He is a French international and we expect great things."
Finally, Boluda revealed that being the president was not all fun of games, saying, "It is hard, because I do not like being asked for autographs.
"My job is to calm things down. I want to leave a mark by laying the framework for the elections.
"My appointment is temporary and there will be elections before the summer."
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
Pieces falling in place for Hoops
When asked about the prospect of Mijatovic leaving before the season ends, Boluda told the press, "I have not taken a decision. I will meet with the board and we will decide. At the moment there are no points for or against."
The president then commented on Los Blancos' 2-0 win over Numancia, saying, "I do not understand much about football, but I do understand that winning is good. I want to thank the staff and the coach for their effort in this stupendous performance."
He then touched on the last-minute signing of Julien Faubert, stating, "He will be magnificent. I am sure that he will help the team. The coach wanted a player of his type and we have got him. He is a French international and we expect great things."
Finally, Boluda revealed that being the president was not all fun of games, saying, "It is hard, because I do not like being asked for autographs.
"My job is to calm things down. I want to leave a mark by laying the framework for the elections.
"My appointment is temporary and there will be elections before the summer."
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
Pieces falling in place for Hoops
OFFICIAL: Real Betis Sign Ricardo Oliveira
The long drawn out transfer saga of Ricardo Oliveira has been completed, with Real Betis winning the race for his signature.
According to Marca , Betis paid a fee of €9 million to Real Zaragoza, and the Brazilian has signed a contract until 2013. The transfer was completed at 23:35 CET.
Indeed, Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has confirmed the deal on the club's official website.
The transfer hit complications in the final hours of the transfer window, with Zaragoza wanting more money, and holding out for a potential offer from the likes of Villarreal and Panathinaikos.
Interestingly, Oliveira will now form a strike partnership with Sergio Garcia, whom he played with at Zaragoza before their relegation last season.
Oliveira has already played for Betis, during the 2004/05 and 2005/06 campaigns. He was their highest scorer during the first campaign, but was injured for most of the second.
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
Crew add Iribarren to coaching staff
Inter’s Obinna Loaned To Real Betis
Sampdoria’s Bruno Fornaroli To Espanyol Or Betis – Agent
According to Marca , Betis paid a fee of €9 million to Real Zaragoza, and the Brazilian has signed a contract until 2013. The transfer was completed at 23:35 CET.
Indeed, Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera has confirmed the deal on the club's official website.
The transfer hit complications in the final hours of the transfer window, with Zaragoza wanting more money, and holding out for a potential offer from the likes of Villarreal and Panathinaikos.
Interestingly, Oliveira will now form a strike partnership with Sergio Garcia, whom he played with at Zaragoza before their relegation last season.
Oliveira has already played for Betis, during the 2004/05 and 2005/06 campaigns. He was their highest scorer during the first campaign, but was injured for most of the second.
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
Crew add Iribarren to coaching staff
Inter’s Obinna Loaned To Real Betis
Sampdoria’s Bruno Fornaroli To Espanyol Or Betis – Agent
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Atlético Madrid's Johnny Heitinga Unconcerned By Criticism
Johnny Heitinga has declared today that he is not concerned by the criticism he has received from various sections of the press lately.
The Dutch international has at times looked clumsy and tactically unsure, giving away a number of penalties in his six months with Atlético Madrid. However, he has told Marca that he is just the same player he ever was.
"I am the same Heitinga,” he affirmed. “I have had a little bad luck with my knee injury, but I am strong, I am always going to give 100% each match, and I am not going to change."
"I am aware of when I play well and when I do it badly...It does not matter to me when the press criticise or write about me; that is part of football. It did me good to score the other day [against Málaga]. I am well and I wish to continue and give my best for the team."
Heitinga should be fit to play this weekend against Valladolid; a game that Atlético will feel they need to win after two consecutive home defeats this year.
The defender has acknowledged that there is pressure on him but has stated that is because expectations are high at the club.
"There is always pressure from the fans because we have a very good team," he declared.
"We want to finish in the top four, and there is pressure. I have played in the Ajax first team for seven years and there was pressure there too - I am used to it. The Atlético fans support us every game and we are going to give our all."
Heitinga also spoke briefly about his Dutch compatriot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who he described as a "great forward."
"He has scored many goals in the Dutch league and with the national team. When one signs half-way through a season it is always tough because it is never easy in a new team. But he is a great forward and has a great future," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Newcastle United After Atlético Madrid’s Luis García - Reports
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
De Rosario excited to return home
Sanneh hopeful for one more shot in LA
The Dutch international has at times looked clumsy and tactically unsure, giving away a number of penalties in his six months with Atlético Madrid. However, he has told Marca that he is just the same player he ever was.
"I am the same Heitinga,” he affirmed. “I have had a little bad luck with my knee injury, but I am strong, I am always going to give 100% each match, and I am not going to change."
"I am aware of when I play well and when I do it badly...It does not matter to me when the press criticise or write about me; that is part of football. It did me good to score the other day [against Málaga]. I am well and I wish to continue and give my best for the team."
Heitinga should be fit to play this weekend against Valladolid; a game that Atlético will feel they need to win after two consecutive home defeats this year.
The defender has acknowledged that there is pressure on him but has stated that is because expectations are high at the club.
"There is always pressure from the fans because we have a very good team," he declared.
"We want to finish in the top four, and there is pressure. I have played in the Ajax first team for seven years and there was pressure there too - I am used to it. The Atlético fans support us every game and we are going to give our all."
Heitinga also spoke briefly about his Dutch compatriot Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who he described as a "great forward."
"He has scored many goals in the Dutch league and with the national team. When one signs half-way through a season it is always tough because it is never easy in a new team. But he is a great forward and has a great future," he concluded.
James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com
Newcastle United After Atlético Madrid’s Luis García - Reports
Raúl Hoping Real Madrid Focus Shifts To The Pitch
De Rosario excited to return home
Sanneh hopeful for one more shot in LA
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