Marco Silva
-On the first match, where Olympiacos had a better display, and whether he believes they can qualify: “As Cambiasso said, this is important data because it shows our behaviour and what happened, but cannot describe the result. The way a match is played is important, but the result is more important. We had opportunities that we did not finish. We are definitely confident about what happened in Brussels, but we need to be more careful and to fix our mistakes. We believe, without a doubt, that we can make it.”
-On whether Olympiacos will start tomorrow’s match powerfully or choose to play a “patient” game and whether Cambiasso will be among the starting eleven players: “The start of a game is definitely important and we are 100% persuaded that we will start the match like that. It would be ideal if we scored two goals in the first half and then continue until the end. Nonetheless, we of course need to be patient and effective and keep the result if things turn our way. The fact that Cambiasso is here, does not mean that he will be among the starting eleven. We many times choose players that will be with us. We also choose players depending on the languages they speak. In the previous match, we chose da Costa because he speaks French and this would facilitate the press conference.”
-On the fact that Olympiacos have been in this place many times in the past, but did not manage to qualify in the next round: “This belongs to the past and cannot affect us right now. We can achieve whatever we want and turn things around. We need to focus on the match ahead of us, on our opponent. Another important factor is our fans. These are the important things for us. Our performance, the opponent’s performance, our strength, our fans.”
-On whether he was troubled by the fact that Olympiacos dominated the first match but when conceding the goal, were not able to create opportunities: “I agree that after the goal we conceded, we stalled and were not as creative as before the goal. We discussed this, analysed it and I believe it will not happen again. The fact that we play in our home, our stadium, is important and we will not let this happen. We do not want to miss this chance. Things will not be the same tomorrow. We have discussed this and we do not want to see it happening again.”
-On whether he will use young players such as Zdjelar and Fortounis or whether he will go for experienced players such as Dominguez and Cambiasso: “No. The truth is that my problems are the same as ever before. The criteria on which I base my decisions are always the same. It doesn’t matter which players will be chosen; what matters is that I will choose the best players at our disposal and you will have to wait until tomorrow to find out who they are.”
-On whether Anderlecht have any qualities that trouble him or make him anxious: “In general, we respect our opponents and know that they are all worthy, even more so when it’s a match in a European competition. They have quick and really fit players that can harm us at any point in the match. Our goal is to play high-level football and do what we have prepared to do in order to harm our opponent. We must be thinking about our performance and take advantage of our strong points.”
-On the qualities Olympiacos must have in order to go through Anderlecht: “As regards the physical condition of the players, I can see that the demands are high. They are ready every day to give their all and to contribute. As regards the injuries, there is always one or two injured players, but they are always ready to return. We are in a good physical condition right now. I am satisfied and we are on a good level to play this match. Our display against Anderlecht and in the last championship match was not good, but I believe that this is not related to the players’ physical condition. As regards the three necessary qualities, these are many: first of all, concentration. You need to be concentrated no matter which opponent you play against. The second one is quality. Namely lots of patience and strength and to take advantage of our strong points. The third and most important thing is passion. A team must have passion when playing such a match. You cannot prove yourself without passion.”
Esteban Cambiasso
-What is the key on Olympiacos qualifying tomorrow: “We have only played the first leg. All the sides participating in this round must bear in mind that there are two legs in the qualification. The first match was played, the result was not positive for us and we are now obligated to win the match in our home. We will think about the score with which we must win later. We will be wrong to have a different mentality.”
-On his wild celebration following the goal against Atromitos: “The most important thing is to wake up feeling like you want to go to training. To enjoy what you do. To be part of the team, to feel like doing what you do. I knew before coming to Greece the competitions Olympiacos participated in and I came determined to focus on all the matches of Olympiacos. To focus on all competitions equally, be it the championship or the Greek Cup or the European competitions. If I ever get interested in a specific competition, then this will mean that I have decided to leave. I am here because I am lucky enough to be playing in all matches and to be contributing.“
-On whether the possession and the opportunities Olympiacos had in Belgium feel him with optimism in view of tomorrow’s match: “The qualities we had in the first match are important. However, the most important thing is to turn things around; possession or opportunities do not count when considered alone. Everyday work and our abilities as a team fill us with confidence. It’s important to believe in ourselves and the fans to believe in us so they will help us. Patience is required. We have to win and qualify. In order to start thinking about the second goal, we first have to score the first one.”
Watch the relevant video:
To see photographs from the Press conference, click HERE.
Click HERE to download the electronic Press Kits for our match against Anderlecht.
