14 August 2007, by Sean Gillen

Motivated Maniche expecting top season at Atletico

Midfielder eyes return to Portugal squad

Portuguese midfielder Maniche says he is determined to prove that he has made the correct decision to stay with Atletico Madrid, and admits to feeling the benefit of a full pre-season.

The former Porto man’s future has been the subject of speculation in Spain almost ever since he arrived in Madrid last summer. However, Maniche insists that he made a conscious decision, in tandem with the manager, that he would stay with the club.

“We talk a lot and we decided that the best thing, both for Atletico and for myself, was for me to stay,” he said. “I have a valid contract and I want to fulfil it.

“I want the people who put their money on me to be certain that they were correct in making such a great effort. I promise to try to play well, although I need the team to be able to do that, because one player doesn’t make a team good. When your team-mates are fine and are good, things go better for you.”

With the arrivals at the Vicente Calderon of midfielder Raul Garcia and Cleber Santana, competition for places will be fierce. However, Maniche is happy to fight for his position, and believes that Atletico will be a better team this season.

Healthy competition for places

“I like this situation. I’m used to having that pressure, I like that there are other good players in my position. It motivates me and makes me work more. I’ll compete by working hard and then the manager will choose. Therefore, the one who’s going to have ‘problems’ is the coach, who has many very good options to choose from.”

Both injury and international tournaments have restricted the former Porto man from completing a full preparation ahead of the last two seasons, but Maniche is adamant that he is now ready for the upcoming campaign, and expects a better team effort from Atletico this season.

“I’ve finally been able to have a pre-season without injuries, which is something that hasn’t happened for me the past two years. The truth is that I’ve felt very good this summer and I’m really happy because things are going well for me. What I’m hoping for is for things to get better with each day.”

“Last season we didn’t have a team, even though we had good players. I believe this season we can construct a good team. Now we have to work hard and try to improve on what we did last season.”

“The goal is to have a good season with Atletico de Madrid and then think about the national team, as the season ends with the European Championships and I want to be playing in it.”