AEL isn’t too worried about predictions.
Many experts and fans think last year’s champions will make it to the Coca-Cola Cup final again.
Even if Thelades’ team isn’t at its best, people are betting on them because of the double matches and their strong player options.
It shouldn’t bother Hugo Martins and his players that many have written off AEL, including some fans. What matters is being ready for the first semi-final on Holy Wednesday (April 8) at the ‘Alphamega’ stadium. They need to compete well to have a good shot in the return match in Pafos (April 22).
Martins will take a different approach to facing Pafos compared to previous matches against Aris and Omonia. They want to reach another final after three years (they lost 1-0 to Omonia in 2023 under coach Christos Charalambous).
The main reason for a new strategy is that these are double matches.
As for Natel, there’s no new news except that Ordabasy’s offer of 300 thousand euros was turned down. They’ll only say ‘yes’ if the Kazakhs offer over half a million.
They might not admit it, but they are frustrated with the Brazilian forward. He’s claiming back pain and not training properly.
