Cristiano Giaretta, Pafos sporting director, expressed his enthusiasm for the next Conference League match against Atalanta, a team that won the Europa League only two years ago. In an interview with Sky Sport, a few minutes before the match, Giaretta reiterated the Cypriot club's confidence in maintaining its presence in European competitions for the third consecutive year.
Pafos, who have consolidated their position in the Cypriot league, see the Conference League as an opportunity to grow and demonstrate their competitiveness against top-level clubs. Giaretta underlined that the team is proud to have reached this milestone and that the club's development project has been a determining factor in its growth. “Our secret is long-term planning and vision,” he said, recalling that the lack of participation in the Champions League in his personal career pushed him to give his all to reach that goal.
As for tonight's match, Giaretta described Pafos as a team capable of creating danger especially in counterattacks. He praised the solidity and energy of the club's play, but also recognized the difficulties of facing a high-level squad like that of Atalanta. “It will be a tough game for us, but we will try to give our best,” he said, highlighting Pafos' determination not to be intimidated.
The sporting director also shared his appreciation for life in Cyprus, calling it a “beautiful” place with a quality of life comparable to that of a Premier League. This positive outlook is also reflected in the mentality of the club, which aims to continue growth and consolidate its presence on the European stage.
With the match against Atalanta imminent, Pafos prepare to take on a top-level club with the aim of demonstrating their competitiveness and continuing to build on the success achieved in recent years. Next week we will see if Pafos can turn their ambition into concrete results on the pitch.