Is the defeat or the way it occurred that annoys you the most?
Both the defeat in the way it occurred and the final score were really tough for us. If one had not seen the match, one would have said that PSG earned a very easy win. We had our share of chances, we tried to claim them, we played well but the result is tough. Mistakes at this level bring about a high cost.
Mistakes aside, in the second-half Olympiacos did not have the same amount of energy as in the first one. Would you agree?
Our vigor was decreased, we circulated the ball poorly and allowed PSG to keep possession of the ball and a consistent play. We faced problems in defense, but not to the extent that they could alter the match outlook. We grew less aggressive when with the ball and less active when defending.
Now that the blood is not boiling, if the second half was to kick off again, what could you have done to change your side’s display? Was it just fatigue?
Of course, the opposing coach did something, but if we were to have this conversation during the break, nobody in this room would change a thing in our side. We asked them to step out and continue in the same intensity and concentration, and encouraged them to get the win. We could have been in the lead since the first half.
Were the conceded goals the result of individual mistakes or of the general defensive attitude of the side?
We always try to work on such eventualities. I would not have believed that we had conceded three goals following corner kicks-let alone identical ones- while knowing that we have practiced a lot in defending set pieces. If we watch the goals again, we will promptly accuse Samaris. But we won’t since he was the best player in the match. Those plays were tough for Samaris. I cannot say anything against my players, because the only one to blame is me since I taught them this way of marking.
I cannot remember the crowd applauding the team after such a defeat. Is this reaction on behalf of the fans giving you more strength?
That applause was the recognition towards my players who made a huge effort. We gave PSG a really hard time and the crowd acknowledged that. I believe the fans have seen the kind of Olympiacos side they like; however, they also witnessed a heavy defeat.
Olympiacos fails to withstand 90 minutes of Champions League pressure. Does the Greek Championship have something to do with that?
The truth is that we all know that the Championship is different to the Champions League. Tonight, my players did nothing short of what we have asked them to do. There was no luck of courage or will, but only personal mistakes that have cost us dearly. We keep on expecting more things from the players and that they compete with each other. In no way can we put Greek Championship clubs in the equation. In the Champions League, favorites usually win and smaller clubs lose. This is the difference of the level between these two tournaments.
Are Olympiacos chances to qualify getting less now?
I am an optimistic person and, for that reason, we have prepared the match in order to win. We delivered superbly in the first half and we will keep on believing that we have chances to move forward. Having seen my team playing like that, who’s to say that we cannot have a first-half 2-0 lead in the next fixture? I am optimistic, yet not crazy.
What do you take out of your Champions League debut and what are the lessons learnt?
I am quite aged, but I never cease to learn. Because I like to win, I am not happy with this defeat. Since however this has not been a critical defeat, I want us to keep up the good work”.
