Falcao: Winning the Europa League is all I think about

The Colombia international says reaching a European final was his main objective this season, and reveals coach Diego Simeone had a major role in his side's route to Bucharest

 

 

Atletico Madrid striker Falcao is desperate to lift the Europa League trophy for a second consecutive year on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old played a key role in Porto's triumph last season after scoring 17 goals in the competition. The Atletico forward now claims that reaching another European final was one of his aims for the new campaign, and he is only thinking about beating Athletic Bilbao.

"I want to give our supporters many reasons to celebrate," Falcao told AS.

"We had this moment in our minds since the first day of the season. It was very hard to get here, but we overcame strong opposition, so we're very proud."

Falcao has netted 10 goals in this season's edition of the tournament, but credited coach Diego Simeone, who replaced Gregorio Manzano in December, for turning around the club's fortunes.

"Simeone knew how motivate us. When he arrived, the morale wasn't very good, and the coach knew exactly what to do, and he took us to a new level. That's why we are going to Bucharest," the Colombian striker stated.

However, to earn their second title in three years, Atletico face stiff competition from fellow Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao and Falcao is under no illusions as to the task at hand in the Romanian capital.

"Athletic are a very hard-working team, and they know what to do with the ball when they have it. [Marcelo] Bielsa changed their style, and it's working really well," he said.

"They have [Fernando] Llorente and other talented players, but we know their strongest and weakest points." 

 

 

Source : Goal.com