Deportivo La Coruna vs Atletico Madrid preview - Flores warns against complacency

Posted Saturday, April 30, 2011 by PA

Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores has warned his side not to drop their guard ahead of four fixtures against teams fighting relegation.

Atleti have been flying in recent weeks having lost just once in their past 10 games to move into the final Europa League place.

With a seemingly favourable run-in they look good bets to be playing in Europe next term, but Sanchez Flores is not getting ahead of himself.

He is wary of underestimating teams with plenty to play for, starting with their trip to Deportivo La Coruna in Saturday's late kick-off.

"We can not afford to lower our intensity," he said. "All games are tough. We have a run of fixtures where we face teams who have not yet secured their safety.

"We must try and keep up our own form. We are going out with a good intensity, attitude and enthusiasm with the intent to create chances. Right now we have a positive dynamic."

Depor are three points clear of the drop zone and have only been able to pull away thanks to their home form at the Riazor, where they have lost once in their past seven.

They have problems to contend with in midfield though, with Antonio Tomas and Juca sidelined while on-loan Ruben Perez can not play against his parent club.

With numbers thin, manager Miguel Angel Lotina has hinted he may move one of defenders Aythami or Juan Dominguez into midfield.

"I guess the coach is thinking what he can do and we are all in a position to help," former Las Palmas player Aythami said.

"If I have to perform as a midfielder then it won't be a new thing for me. I was a midfielder as a youngster at Las Palmas, sometimes I even performed as a playmaker."

Atletico will be boosted by the return of Jose Antonio Reyes and Tiago from suspension, while Diego Godin is back from injury.