Mr. Michel
It’s been many years, so the coach may easily say he does remember; yet, as a player, he has lost 2-0 here and Real was disqualified. So, is this his opportunity to pay them back for that defeat? In another stadium and being the coach of Olympiacos?
“One thing has nothing to do with the other. Indeed, it was a different stadium back then. In the same place, but in another stadium and with a different name. I don’t like talking about my football past, ever, but you keep on reminding me; especially the bad stuff. One always comes here hoping that things will be different”.
In the previous match against Juventus, Roberto was your star player. However, it’s difficult for a goalkeeper to deliver so well in consecutive games. What do you think that you should change in order not to receive that 30-minute pressure you had in Karaiskakis?
“It is true that if one watches the last 20-25 minutes, one will acknowledge Roberto’s heroic performance. In the first 70 minutes, however, the whole team responded well and did not allow Juventus to put pressure on us. This it the path we want to follow tomorrow night. If we recall the match in Piraeus, we believe that we were worthy of that win against a top opponent. The fact that we won encourages us to fight and try to win again. However, I would never dare play without a goalkeeper. So, let us see if we will make it again”.
Two weeks ago, it was Chori sitting next to you and you have confirmed that was in the starting XI. Today it is Fuster. Will he start the match tomorrow?
“You will never make me tell you the line-up. Sometimes, you manage to “extract” a couple of names from me. I will tell you nothing before my players are informed. You will be in the know…»
After the match against Asteras Tripolis, you said that you run out of ideas. Are we to see some new idea now or will you bring back some older…ones in the match against Juventus?
“My reply had to do with that match. We seed hard and in many ways to score a goal, but we failed. I was referring to that match when I said that I run out of ideas. One the tasks a coach has is to find solutions. I will certainly search for them and I will find them. Whatever the case may be, you will not be able to elicit any from me”.
Juventus ha 23-match winning streak in this stadium. It seems difficult for you to take any points out of this match. It this a disadvantage for you?
“we are not thinking of Juventus being unbeaten for that long; we don’t have to check the figures. We know what kind of an adversary they are. As regards the first question to David, we know that this is a crucial match for Juventus. But it is not anyone’s style to play a match in order to lose. If we see it as an opportunity, we will avail ourselves of it. Otherwise, one may lose the chances that pop up”.
In the Greek League, you are 5 points away from the top and there is some questioning and grumbling. A few minutes ago, Juventus coach Mr. Allegri used some flattering words, as did Mr Simeone after the match against Atletico Madrid. May this be considered as a reply for Olympiacos and against the picture that some may want to paint?
“It’s the truth. We are doing fine in Champions League. But we are not where we would like to be in the Greek Super League. Many times I personally tell my players that what matters is to defend the Olympiacos colors. Regardless of the outcome, the truth is that we are more solid in the Champions League. This is no bad criticism; it’s the truth. What I always say both in public and in private is that I ask for nothing more than what they can do. Whey they deliver, they are the stars and show that they are up to the task. The mere ideas of a coach do not suffice to make it. It’s that simple. When the match kicks off, I can become neither Roberto nor Mitroglou. I’d love to but my time has passed “.
Fuster
Olympiacos will play a stress-free match, since winning is not imperative. Will this make you play differently given that you will have no stress?
“I don’t know if it is not imperative for us to win. We want dearly to win. We are 3 points ahead of our opponent who is burdened with stress and nervousness. For us, however, it will be even better to get the win, widen our lead even more; that’s what we want…”
Since your first year in the club, Olympiacos earns –like a tradition of yours- one prestigious away win. Is this your great opportunity or will you keep that for Madrid?
“No, if this is the time for that win, let it come. Most welcome. We know it will be no easy match. We have the recent example of our first leg two weeks ago at home. We will try to get a positive result, acknowledging at the same time that it’s going to be tough”.
You are player with numerous important matches under your sleeve. You have played such fixtures against Arsenal, Metalist, Rubin Kazan and Dortmund. What can you promise for tomorrow and what will you tell your coach. What can you promise for tomorrow and what is there to say to your coach?
“it is true that I haven’t scored in a while . All players want to do that. i Of my coach show trust to me tomorrow or in the matches to follow, I always promise to do my best. Both I and my team mates will strive to score this goal that will offer us this longed-for result.”
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