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AGUIRRE LAUDS INFLUENTIAL AGUERO
Aguero - praised by Aguirre.
Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre heaped praise on Sergio Aguero after the Argentina striker played a starring role in Wednesday's 4-0 mauling of Schalke.
Aguero was missing on Olympic duty as Atletico were defeated 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Schalke, but he was back with a bang in the return meeting, scoring once and having a hand in his side's other three goals.
The 20-year-old had only returned to Madrid at the weekend after helping Argentina win gold at the Olympics, and Aguirre admits having the former Independiente striker available again is a huge boost.
"Aguero is a player who gives you something different. He is young, but he's matured a lot," said Aguirre, who also paid tribute to the role played by midfielder Maniche, whose future at the club looked over not so long ago.
"His (Aguero's) presence and that of Maniche helped give us that something extra to finish with the win."
Aguero set the ball rolling for Atletico with the opening goal of the game in the 22nd minute, before his strike partner Diego Forlan made it 2-0 just after half-time.
The victory was sealed with two more goals in the last eight minutes from Luis Garcia and Maxi Rodriguez's penalty as Atletico stormed through to the Champions League group stages for the first time since the 1996/97 season.
"It has been enormously pleasing for everybody. It is something we have been looking for for a long time. These fans deserve it and we have done it," added Aguirre.
"The fans, as always, have supported us and tonight we've returned this joy.
"We knew that this game was very important for everyone and we have achieved what we've sought for some time.
"Now the league starts as well as other competitions and we have to continue growing."
Atletico defender John Heitinga, a summer signing from Ajax, added: "Everything went well for us. Getting through was very important for the club, the players and the fans.
"The Calderon is incredible, our fans cheered us on the entire game. Kun (Aguero) did everything well, although the team also played well."
Schalke coach Fred Rutten felt Atletico were full value for their win following an impressive performance, and believes the Spanish outfit could enjoy a successful tournament.
"I want to congratulate Atletico Madrid because their victory was well-deserved," he said.
"They won 4-0 and that's a very clear result. We had possibilities to cut the lead in the second half, but we didn't take advantage of our chances."
"Atletico are a good team and I think that they have high expectations in the Champions League. I think that they can go far."
