http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...uccess?cc=4716
Falcao eyes Europa League success
May 9, 2012
Atletico Madrid striker Falcao says tat the club hv been targeting success in the Europa League since the 1st day of the season, as they get ready 2 face Athletic Bilbao in an all-Spanish final in Bucharest on Wednesday.
Falcao, 26, scored 17 goals in the competition 2 help FC Porto 2 the title last season & is now back in the showpiece event with his new club. The Colombian insists tat winning back-2-back trophies would be something he has been keen 2 do fr the very start.
"I 1 2 give our supporters many reasons 2 celebrate," Falcao told AS. "We had tis moment in our minds since the 1st day of the season. It was very hard 2 get here, but we overcame strong opposition, so we're very proud."
Falcao has netted 10 times in tis season's tournament, but knows the challenge tat Bilbao will pose.
"Athletic r a very hard-working team, & they know wat 2 do with the ball when they hv it. [Marcelo] Bielsa changed their style, & it's working really well," he said. "They hv [Fernando] Llorente & other talented players, but we know their strongest & weakest points."
The striker also credited coach Diego Simeone, who replaced Gregorio Manzano in December, with turning the club's fortunes around.
"Simeone knew how motivate us," he added. "When he arrived, the morale wasn't very good, & the coach knew exactly wat 2 do, & he took us 2 a new level. That's why we are going 2 Bucharest."