Source: Team_Talk
Atletico boss salutes triumphant players
Atletico Madrid boss Quique Sanchez Flores admits his side's Europa League success tastes sweeter as it comes at the end of a tough season.[LNB] Atletico made a poor start to La Liga, resulting in the sacking of manager Abel Resino, but will finish the campaign in mid-table and with a European trophy.[LNB]They have also reached the final of the Copa del Rey and Sanchez Flores is delighted by the way the club's season has been transformed.[LNB]"I am really proud of my players. They deserve all the credit because they were able to overcome a complicated situation," he said.[LNB]"I can only stress my admiration for the work they have put in to turn our campaign around.[LNB]"It has been a long, hard season and that makes this success even more special.[LNB]"There are a lot of emotions that come out after an achievement like this.[LNB]"But I would like to dedicate this triumph to my four children and to Atletico fans everywhere."[LNB]It took extra time to separate Atletico and Fulham at the Hamburg Arena.[LNB]Diego Forlan was the star of the show, scoring both goals in the 2-1 victory with the winner arriving with five minutes remaining.[LNB]"We are thrilled to have won a very tough final and a very difficult competition," said Sanchez Flores.[LNB]"It is hugely satisfying - Atletico are a big, big club and we have made thousands of people happy.[LNB]"It's the players' moment, it is their time to celebrate. This is a massive occasion in the history of the club.[LNB]"This Europa League final was a big opportunity for our team, but it was never going to be easy and when you do manage to cross the line it is a fabulous feeling.[LNB]"Fulham were a very well-organised side and they made it very difficult for us to find that second goal.[LNB]"It was like we played two matches against that defence of theirs.[LNB]"They were great opponents but I would say that overall we deserved the victory."
