In detail:
Ariel Ibagaza
“We reacted very poorly after our equalizing goal. Unfortunately, we failedto score in the first half, during which we have created someopportunities. We were trailing behind in the score, we equalized, butSchalke managed to score and earn a penalty kick. For us, this matchbelongs to the past. We are set on the next fixture for the championship”.
Paulo Machado
“The only thing missing is the points, since we played well in the secondhalf. We entered the pitch for the 2nd half with resolution in order totake hold of the match. We conceded the 2nd goal and that was really adecisive moment. We paid attention to the equalizing goal and lost our
composure with all that celebration. It was really difficult to bounce back after that. I believe the more matches we win, the better the team willbecome. We are disappointed, but we shall face Arsenal in order to takesomething out of this fixture. My coach asks me to move to the center andpreserve the balance of the team”.
Ioannis Maniatis
“We lost some chances that could have given us the lead. Schalke was wellsetup in the pitch, and we lost our concentration, especially when weconceded the 2nd goal. We lost our composure, our gameplay was notorganized and consequently we failed to maintain that score and let a fastgoal in. Last year, of course, we also kicked off with a defeat atKaraiskakis stadium, but it is not that accommodating since we could havemade it to the next round if it wasn’t for a single point not earned athome. We must get better in many areas, we need to work and we must changethe atmosphere because this has not been a good first matchday for us”.
Rafik Djebbour
“From the beginning, we tried to come in strong and keep the pressure high.If we had netted in all our opportunities, then we would have been RealMadrid and Barcelona. We tried and went forward; we lost some chances inour effort to attack. We conceded a goal, we kept on fighting, then scoredwith Djamel but the 2-1 occurred and that ruled the match. We shall keep onfighting. Last year, also, we had made a bad start and then rallied backand completed the stage quite well. I strongly believe in this team and wewill try to do everything we can in order to make it to the next stage”.
Leandro Greco
“It is bad we kicked off the Champions League tournament with a homedefeat. We could have performed better and achieved our objective, that isto win. Having said that, we must win the next match in Englad againstArsenal in the 2nd match day. Currently, our mind is set on Sunday’s homefixture against Panthrakikos”.
Djamel Abdoun
“We stumbled over a great opponent. We had some chances that we failed totake advantage of. Now, we are disappointed, but we must swiftly forgetthis defeat and focus on the championship. Today, we failed both ourpresident and our fans. It should have been a night to celebrate about. Itis bad to start with a defeat. We are a good team and we will recoverquickly. Everything is possible. Last year, this has been our firstofficial encounter, since we have played no championship matches before.And -I repeat- now we must pull ourselves together for the championship,which is very important”.
