Veteran midfielder Cani has reflected on a mixed spell with Atletico Madrid, admitting it didn’t go to plan on the pitch but off it, it was unforgettable.
Cani moved to Vicente Calderon from Villarreal for the second half of last season before joining Deportivo La Coruna over the summer, and meets his former club at Riazor on Friday.
“The six months at Atletico weren’t as I expected. In sporting terms, it wasn’t good, but as an experience I’ll hold it for life because I experienced a big club,” he said, Marca reports.
“This Atletico have changed many players but the defence, midfield and the Coach are maintained, and the philosophy.
“They fight, defend well, use the set-pieces and they’re a tough team with good players who know what the Coach wants.
“If you’re not as intense as they are, intensity is one of their hallmarks, you’ll lose.
“Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez are among the best in the League, if not the best. [Defending] is their virtue. It’s difficult to score, create chances. They’re a very tough team.
“We also have our virtues. We had a bad game against Malaga, in defence, in everything. We can’t let it happen again but we can’t go crazy.”
