Alex Abreu Gontijo answers questions from Rio De Janeiro.
1. Will the winner of this semi-final win the Europa League?
My heart says Arsenal but my mind says Atletico because Simeone is much more desperate to win than Arsene Wenger. The Europa League has more chances than usual for the English club because the French are out. Unlike the Spanish. Atletico is only behind Real Madrid in pressure and buzz from media.
2. Does Wenger leaving help Arsenal chances of winning?
Yes!!! Arsene is like Bambi and Mickey Mouse. It is hard to find someone who worked with a bad world against him. Robert Pires said in Spanish paper ABC : “Arsene builds philosophy and football”. His seeds are very strong!!
3. Why did Diego Simeone’s team get knocked out in the Group Stage this year?
Because his team became very predictable and the crazy gang in its European version didn’t work anymore
4. Is Griezmann very popular in Brazil?
No because he is too much a hard worker. Brazilians love players like Salah for his class, Cristiano Ronaldo because he delivers, and Messi for his talent!
5. Are Brazilian fans upset that Diego Costa is now Spanish?
During the last World Cup yes, but not now because Firmino and Gabriel Jesus proved their value. But when the former Chelsea player chose Spain rather than us, he broke many Brazilian hearts. In his version the choice was because Vicente del Bosque went to his house to talk, while Scolari only showed his feelings in the press.
6. Is Diego Godin injured? No. A lot of press coverage in this part of world about this game is about Ospina x Gondin’s challenge!
7. What kind of players are Saul and Koke?
Very good but in the bigger picture they are poor relatives of Xavi and Iniesta.
8. What are Brazilian newspaper/tv saying about Wenger leaving Arsenal?
As a visitor from another galaxy. In the same period since 1996 all major clubs from this country changed their coach more than 20 times.