Zapata insists Atlas can compete with Liga MX elite
The Colombian midfielder is going through an accelerated adaptation process. He says he is comfortable with his new team and has high hopes for the season.
Juan Manuel Zapata has only been with Atlas for a couple of months but he has adapted quickly. During his brief time with the club he has built up experience in the Leagues Cup and now, the Liga MX. The Colombian midfielder is confident that the Zorros have enough capacity to compete with the leagues top clubs and feels sure that his team will end up being one of the protagonists of the Apertura 2023 tournament.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against América, Zapata said: “I’m very happy. I had been waiting for my first appearance in the starting XI to be able to help the team. I’ve always said that all of us here have the same idea, which is to help each other and push the team forward. The game turned difficult - América have quality players, but we knew how to handle the tough moments well. We work as a team and we were up to the task. Thankfully, we were able to get a good result there”.
Drawing in his experiences in the Leagues Cup and the team’s recent performances in the league, Zapata has every reason to feel optimistic. “The experience in The Leagues Cup was positive because I think that not only personally, but also as a group we realized that the squad can compete with any rival - teams from here in the Liga MX and international teams. The team rose to the occasion, we played to the required level and were the only team that did not lose. Personally, I feel that it helped each and every one of us to realize that we can always be on top, and compete with the great sides. Our team is great too and our challenge is to finish among the top places,” Zapata added.
Toluca at home
On Saturday, Atlas will face Toluca at Jalisco stadium and the Colombian knows how relevant this Week 5 matchup will be. “The team will be going into the game with the same mentality that we have shown in the last few games - of being the protagonist, of going for the rival and with the firm belief that we are going to take all three points. We know how important this game is that for the objective we have. Every game is important, but we are taking it step by step. We know that taking three points on Saturday will be be very important to consolidate ourselves at the top of the table,” he explained.
To end, Zapata highlighted how quickly he is adapting to Mexican soccer and his new surroundings. “I am really happy to be in this great institution. The city is very pretty, it’s very similar to Medellín. I really liked the gastronomy, the climate is very pleasant. At the club, with the coaching staff and the players, I have felt very happy. They gave me a warm welcome and that is important. I hope to continue showing why I came here in every match I play. I have come here to achieve things, to show my talent and to give the best I have so that that the team continues to win,” he concluded.