The Clásico Tapatío is just around the corner and the excitement in the Perla de Occidente is growing every day, which is why Veljko Paunovic assured that his team is both mentally and soccer ready to play this Saturday's match against the city's fierce rival.
Check out Veljko Paunovic's words ahead of the Clasico Tapatio:
"We've attacked a lot over the last few games, we've generated chances but we're lacking in finishing."
"There is a great group, they are ready to work and with the willingness to be intense and play permanently in the opponent's field."
"We all like to have a full squad to be able to create a competitive environment. We have improved a lot, there are people who have taken a step forward."
"The most important part of the tournament is coming and most of the players are recovering and reintegrating, that is undoubtedly a plus."
"We want to close the tournament in the strongest possible way."
"The loss of Guzmán is tough, but we are reassured that he will be back for the next game."
"Seeing Vega and Brizuela on the tour was very useful for us, I am very happy with how they are reaching their best physical and soccer form."
"The players are ready for Saturday, they have shown a great competitive level."
"We have put the match against América behind us, there are 5 matches coming up in a month and we take each one of them as a final. We are taking it one game at a time.
"The Clásico Tapatío is an important match for us and for the fans, we want to continue in the highest positions in the table and to do that we have to win".
"We want to enhance the positive aspects, in the last 5 matches we have generated more chances and that is the way to become a winning team."
"Beating Atlas is not a remedy for the disappointment of the previous match, it is simply one more step towards our objective which is direct qualification."
"When we go out onto the pitch all teams are equal, the one that does more out of desire usually has a greater chance of succeeding."
"In modern soccer there are no favorites, all teams are ready to compete."
"For us this match means more than just 3 points and we want to win it".
"We want to recover the illusion of our people in the Rebaño de escudo y espadas".
"During the preseason we faced Atlas on their field, a game of intensity and determination. Those points were key to winning that match."
"Having 40 arrivals inside the opponent's box is a tremendous amount, but we have lacked determination when it comes to finishing chances."
"We have people to counter aerial play and second plays, Antonio Briseño is one of them".
"Before thinking about the opponent's strengths, we think about our virtues".
"We are going to prioritize our intense pressure, but if that doesn't have an effect we will look to be ready to win second plays."
"It's always good to arrive at the Clásico on a good run, but it's also true that we're coming from 2 weeks of work and preparation that will help us to face a strong opponent".
