Olympiacos coach stated, in particular:
Does this match stand for a final for Olympiacos?
“Yes, it does. It is a very important match, because, if we win, we have many chances of achieving our original objective, i.e. to qualify to the next stage. If not, we will keep on fighting for 3rd place. In this sense, this is a crucial encounter not only for us, but also for Montpellier”
In the previous match in London against Arsenal, the team performed well. Will you be applying the same plan as against Arsenal or will you have a different approach?
“We sure want to keep the same attitude and to perform the as solidly as in England. What we would like to change is the final outcome, i.e. a better final score than the one in London.”
To what extend is Olympiacos ready to perform in a “final” like this one?
“A side like Olympiacos and the players that set foot in the pitch are obliged to be always prepared. We are ready to play any match. This is what we always do.»
What do you know of the Montpellier side? We do know that they are not such a well-know club in Greece. Will you be focusing on certain players tomorrow?
“The French League, the ‘Championnat”, is far more well-known in Greece than you may think. The side of Montpellier, compared to last season, has traded 1-2 players this year, like Giroud. They have made it quite well in Champions League this year and we will treat them with great respect”.
When planning and working on tomorrow’s fixture, how much puzzled have you been by the fact that Olympiacos has conceded in the last minutes of previous matches, while Montpellier managed to score just before the end.
“The goal we conceded in London at the very last moment made no difference to us in terms of the final score. They didn’t matter that much for us. Montpellier managed to net those goals because they had the scoring opportunities and they made use of them. So, if we are 2-0 ahead at that moment, let them score at the end! We are fine with that”.
We know very well that you don’t reveal your plans, but will you give us a treat. Will Carroll of Megyeri be the starting goalkeeper?
«Just out of respect to the players, I will announce that first to them and then you will be informed”.
Since you won’t let us know of the starting side, then how are you going, in terms of philosophy, to face the Montpellier side; like Arsenal in London or like Xanthi in the Greek Super League?
“There is doubt that the match will look like the one in London. We have to keep our performance at very high standards, both defensively and offensively. We want to have balance in our game. For me, the match will be a well-balanced match.”
Questions were submitted to Rafik Djebbour, who stressed the following:
Do you think that, out of all European fixtures, tomorrow’s one will be the most important for you match?
“I will be honest. Tomorrow’s match is a final, because we want to continue our European course.”
Montpellier is the French league title-holder; however, this year they haven’t set out quite well. Do you reckon that tomorrow you can prolong this negative rally of your opponent?
“These are two separate things, the ‘Championnat’ and Champions League. We will try to exploit their weaknesses; we know it will be hard”.
You have scored 8 goals in the Greek league; you want a European goal as well. Last season, you didn’t score against Marseille. Is that, i.e. scoring on French soil, an additional incentive for you?
“The most important thing is for us to win the points and not whether I score or not. I do want to mark, but the final score is what matters and not who will score.”
By calling tomorrow’s match “a final”, doesn’t that add pressure on your side?
“No. The whole team is cool and football is but a sports and a hobby for us. We enjoy participating in Champions League. The pressure lies on Montpellier since they play at home. For us, it will be great to win the match because, as I said, we want these three points to carry on in Europe”.
Have the players discussed the fact that following last season’s away win against Marseille, you repeated that both in Russia and Ukraine;
“Every season is different. We must not look at what happened last year. We are focused on the match against Montpellier, this is a focal match. We will do everything to win. It is a complicated fixture, but we have nothing to lose. It is a match for survival for our day after in Europe.”
It is true that you have changed your coach with respect to last season. What has changed in your style of play?
“Mr Jardim carries on the work of Mr. Valverde and has added his own touches. There have been some changes in the team, but Olympiacos is a great club. Everyone in the team does everything possible to raise the club high”.
You have been to France twice, with Panionios (vs Socheaux) and Olympiacos (vs Marseille), and you have returned victorious both times. Is that saying something to you?
“There is a saying that goes like that “Everything good will happen three times”. So, if this is the case, it will be perfect”.
You have played in the ‘Championnat’, so you know it. Is that an advantage for you?
“Others have played as well, but the ‘Championnat’ is one thing and Champions League is another. Montpellier will play differently in Europe. We are fairly experienced and I believe that, from our side, we can stand up for it in the pitch”.
