Do you think that –more in terms of performance rather than the final score- this has been your side’s best match in the time you’ve been in Olympiacos?
The size of our opponent is what makes us believe so. We had played many similar matches but when one beats Manchester in such a way, this represents a huge accomplishment. I cannot hide my overwhelming happiness; I think it shows. I feel both proud of and grateful to my players.
Many times, battles in the midfield are the ones deciding the outcome of important matches. We would like your comment on N’Dinga.
N’Dinga was perfect. But it is unfair to talk only for N’Dinga, because I believe that no player lagged behind. All players were perfect and did more than what we asked them to, which led to the result you have all seen.
Tonight Olympiacos produced its greatest European victory in a convincing way. Following this result, how close is the team to also register the greatest qualification in its history?
I see the fixture in Old Trafford from the same distance as I did for tonight’s match. Anyone who believes that a 2-0 score gives us more chances, is mistaken. A 2-0 score against Manchester United means nothing, especially if you have to play the return match in Old Trafford. This is something my players know better than anyone else. It takes more than simple moments of victories to write history in football. One has to continue working, in order to continue earning dividends out of that. If we get stuck to this 2-0, then we will just become part of history, a memory and we would have won nothing.
How do you comment on the fact that Manchester United produced its first chance in 80′? Also, how did Olympiacos manage to keep its composure in all 90’ minutes of the match?
I refuse to talk down on Manchester. They played their game in the way we allowed them to. I prefer talking about our own players; I do not want to talk about the ones of Manchester because I have huge respect for them.
How much better may Olympiacos be in the Old Trafford return match?
during the draw in December I have said that Olympiacos would be better today; I said so because I believed that and I still say that we are a team with a capital” T”. It doesn’t have to do with who steps on the pitch to play. It has to do with the fact that competition amongst my players lead them to think that whoever features in the field is primarily concerned with performing like a member of a team.
During your side’s preparation, did you expect Manchester to perform so poorly and to produce its first chance in 80′ with Van Persie?
We have been preparing tonight’s match for a long time and in silence. We knew United’s capabilities. We know that they will be stronger in Old Trafford. However, we prefer congratulating our squad once more for its performance and not comment on Manchester’s display. We respect Manchester United and I reckon that our victory was of greater value because it was that very team that we defeated.
In an interview of yours in the English Press, you have said that you once told your players that football is an enjoyment and a hobby. In view of the return match, do you have something to add to that?
We have just experienced a night like this and we have offered so much happiness; this shows that our profession is full of joys. But we still have one more match in Old Trafford. What more can we ask for? But be careful: the fact that it is a hobby makes me want to exchange positions with my players. An old man performing in Old Trafford.
You have had your share of great win as a player. Is this your greatest win as a coach?
We could say “yes” because it actually is the most important. However, I am proud of all my victories of my side. Every time we earn one, I get one more piece of this treasure. If you ask me whether this has been the best victory in the world, then yes! I think it was!
Would you like to dedicate this victory to someone? And would you like to tell us what was the first phone call you made or received after the match was over?
I dedicate this win to my players who put up with me. It is reasonable to say that the first people I talked to was my children in Spain. I cannot yet talk with my grandchild (laughter).
A few years ago, Sir Alex Ferguson had come up with a degrading comment for Olympiacos saying that Manchester must be equally serious when playing against Real Madrid or Olympiacos. Was it tonight that your side gave him a “reply”?
Ferguson is always right. He is so experience that he is always right. I do not want to come to a dispute with him.
How important is it for the size of Olympiacos to have won Manchester? The latter has had only 3 away defeats in the last 7 years and tonight was the first one with a 2 goal deficit.
This is a great bit of news; it was a great victory, an extremely important moment for us. But it is just a victory; one must not get stuck with victories or defeats. If one gets stuck with a specific victory, then one will not be able to carry on. Tonight we will celebrate because we are happy; but starting tomorrow, we are going back to work.
It was a match watched by the whole planet. What was the message sent by Olympiacos tonight about Greek football in general?
We have picked the best moment to show the world that Greek football is alive and kicking, as it was in the 2004 Euro finals. We have also shown that Olympiacos is here and may beat a great side like Manchester United.
That was Manchester’s first defeat with both Van Persie and Rooney in the line-up. How do you feel about that?
They are both great players and we are satisfied to have beat them tonight. But there is no room for complacency, because we will have to face them again, this time in their home ground.
What’s your comment on the fact that despite the empty stands as a result of the side sanctioned by UEFA, the crowd covered that with their chants?
If our players were good tonight, the crowd was equally good. The fans showed once more how good they are. Their support to us was exemplary, but apart from that they showcased a model of a spirit for sports. In Piraeus, [people now very well how to provide that.
Do you dream of a night in Lisbon (note. For the Champions League final)?
It is too soon to say. Dreams happen every night, but not for four months in a row. I don’t dream of something like that. I try keeping my feet on the ground, because in football one must take things one step at a time.
You have said that you’d like playing real in the quarter-finals. Are you sure Real will overcome Schalke?
I was just joking.
