Wednesday 26th August 2009
Resino satisfied with Atletico progress
It was mission accomplished for Atletico Madrid coach Abel Resino as his side were victorious against Panathinaikos.
Even though Resino admits his side were not at the top of their game for their Champions League play-off.
Leading 3-2 from the first leg in Athens, Atletico secured their place in the group stages of the Champions League for the second successive year by downing Panathinaikos 2-0 in the return meeting at the Vicente Calderon last night.
An own goal from Panathinaikos' Loukas Vintra in the opening five minutes put Atletico in further control of the tie and Sergio Aguero wrapped up the win in the 83rd minute after Djibril Cisse's red card had seen the visitors reduced to 10 men.
Resino said: "The most important thing for Atletico Madrid was to get through to the Champions League group stage and we achieved that.
"Our priority was to get into the mini-league. It's true that we lacked a bit of fluidity, but we played a serious match."
He added: "Atletico's objective is to fight in all of the competitions and to continue getting better. We've had a tough pre-season in which we've played against great teams. I liked the team's attitude when it was time to compete and we have to continue along this line."
Resino also revealed that the club are still looking at bringing in new blood before the end of the transfer window next week.
So far the Rojiblancos have signed Sergio Asenjo, Juanito and Leandro Cabrera, while Jose Manuel Jurado, Jose Antonio Reyes, Juan Valera, Roberto and Cleber Santana have returned from loan spells, but Resino believes there could be at least one more addition on the way.
"The club is going to try to make a signing, but if we bring in any players they'll have to be better than what we already have," said Resino.
"It's not easy because expensive players aren't feasible, but I'll repeat that if someone comes it would be to improve the squad."
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