Marco Silva, the coach of Olympiacos, gave on Monday afternoon (23/11) in Munich the typical press conference ahead of the game for matchday 5 of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League against Bayern. The players of our side were represented by Luca Milivojevic.
MARCO SILVA
-During the previous two away matches, Olympiacos played boldly and courageously and won both games. Will the same apply for tomorrow’s match against Bayern or will you use different tactics against this opponent?
“It will of course be a different match compared to the previous ones, but not as regards our will and boldness since we will do our best in order to achieve the best possible outcome. It will be a different match since we will now be playing against this opponent in their home. We will do what our opponent allows us to do. We will do our best to try and achieve a positive outcome, one point at least.
-Is the 16-day idle football activity period a concern for you?
“If we had played the match on Saturday, then we may have been a bit tired. We have been idle for two weeks, since we did not play on Saturday, and that means that we will not have the same pace. We are optimistic about the match and plan to do your best and we will see tomorrow how the team will play.”
-Following your great success in the match against Arsenal, what do you expect to do in this stadium? Do you believe that the position of Olympiacos in the group standings is a surprise?
“The way we will deal with tomorrow’s match is identical to the way we dealt with the match against Arsenal. We will enter the pitch we the same purpose we have prepared for. We will be playing against an opponent who are bigger than Arsenal even. They have one of the best teams in Europe and we all know this. If anyone believed at the beginning that we would today have 9 points, they would call them very optimistic. We prepared very well for all matches and this is why we have this position. We promise our fans that we will fight all games until the very last minute.”
-Guardiola said that he believed Olympiacos were able to achieve what you have achieved. He talked about very good tactics with close lines. He said that you are a very smart coach who knows how to adapt well to the opponent. Does this make you proud and make you feel better?
“First of all, I am very proud about our side’s position and the fact that everyone acknowledges our effort. I am very proud that we will play against Bayern and their coach, one of the best coaches in the world. I have prepared this match the same way and I need to use all the data we have on Bayern. Bayern have very positive elements. This will not be easy at all, because most clubs have had a hard time at this stadium. We are however ambitious and we will fight for the best possible result.”
-Is this the most competitive match?
“I have already told you that I believe Bayern are one of the greatest teams in the world. This match is no more competitive than any other match. What I want is from the players to do their best. I want them to have the same organisation they had two weeks ago and I want to see them fight for the best possible result. I feel pressure every day because I strive to keep the team at a high level. I want to separate these two things. There is a difference between the most difficult match and the most pressing one. We want to have a good display and we will try to do what we always try to do, namely to win points.
-Bayern have scored 28 goals in their last six home matches. Are you afraid of a humiliating defeat?
“First of all, I want to tell you that my players will finish the match and nothing can ruin our display. We are aware of how difficult the match is and who our opponent is. We are aware that we are playing against a team who has scored 38 goals in 9 fixtures in the championship. The numbers speak for themselves. In the last two UEFA Champions League matches, they scored five goals in each game. We are aware of the size of our opponent. What we must do is play our game, enjoy it and do our best to achieve the best possible result.”
-Do you believe that the fact that you need one point to qualify has affected the team’s preparation for the match?
“Of course it is an important element of the match. The fact that we are only one point away from the qualification to the next round, fills us with pride. There are two matches in the group tomorrow. Nothing has been determined. We will have to wait and see the results for all matches in the group.”
-You said again that this match will be the most difficult match Olympiacos have played. Given that this is the most difficult match and if Olympiacos win one point they will qualify to the round of 16, will then the club take us out to lunch in Athens?
“One must not forget the difficulties our side faces. You must first think how difficult it is to qualify when you are in such a group and of course how difficult the match is. We are proud that we have 9 points and still two matches to play. We must not lose focus and believe in the qualification. If we manage to qualify at the end, then this will be a great achievement for all of us, for the fans, for the club. We must now focus on the work we have to do.”
LUKA MILIVOJEVIC
-Do you agree that Olympiacos will play in one of the hardest homes in Europe? What must be the mentality of the team for this match?
“I agree that we will play against one of the most dangerous teams in Europe. This will not be an easy match. We did not come here just for the experience. We came to achieve a good result and we will do our best. We know that they have won far better teams than us in this stadium, but we are here to do our very best.”
-What elements should Olympiacos have in order to face this exquisite side this year?
“This is a big challenge because if we manage to achieve a good result, then this will be very important both for the club and our fans. You will have to wait until tomorrow to see how we will play.”
-How well prepared are you and what do you think would be the key for you?
“I can only speak about myself. I will say that nothing changes for me and that tomorrow I will play the same way I play in all matches. I sometimes play well and I sometimes don’t. What I want is after the final whistle to be able to say to myself that I did my best for the team and my teammates, and that’s all.”
