Paulo Bento
What’s the current condition of Olympiacos, since this is your debut appearance at the side’s bench?
“We have been over that again. It is impossible to fully change the team within one week. We worked on some ideas and a certain strategy to tackle with this match and go through to the group stage; this is our objective. Then, we will have more time to work on more things. We cannot pass on all our ideas in seven days’ time. The only thing we were able to explain the players was the rationale behind dealing with this match”.
Is it putting more pressure on you that several Portuguese coaches have worked in Olympiacos and they have all delivered?
“Firstly, I am proud of the fact that another Portuguese coach is taking over in Olympiacos. I can feel the responsibility which stems from the size of this Club; a club obliged to bring all domestic titles home every year. We are currently fighting for our entry in the group stage. I am proud of bearing such a responsibility. I feel so not as a Portuguese, but as any head coach sitting on the bench of Olympiacos would have felt”.
Did you have the time to prepare the squad ahead of the tie with Arouca?
“Irrespective of our opponent, as said may times already, time was very little. One week is a very short span to convey our ideas and have the players turning them into practice. We studied our opponent, and tried to explain the players what they should do in order succeed in this qualifying tie. Qualifying is going to be far from easy. One thing I always do is to respect any opponent; this is what I will also do this time. I have explained the players how important it is to prepare themselves for this match. Then, we will have the time necessary to work more”.
What’s your opinion about tomorrow’s fixture?
“I believe it is going to be a tough match for us. The fact that Arouca has been on the rise recently suggests that they will be well prepared. The fact that we now bear the “favorite” label shows that pressure is now on our side. They defend well, let their opponents dictate the game and try to exploit every mistake committed by their opponent. They hold their ground waiting and try to strike in counter-attack. We believe that we will claim the initiative during the match and try to utilize our strengths. It will not be an easy match; having to play the first leg away makes things more difficult and we will have to be particularly cautious”.
To what extent it is important that you will debut at the Olympiacos bench in a fixture played at your home country?
“I don’t think that the country where your debut will take place, plays any role. The opponent’s worth and the condition of your side matter the most. We find ourselves in a peculiar situation. Players will have to adapt themselves to all these changes. We are a team trying to adjust to this new state of affairs. I am satisfied with my return to my home country. Yet, this will not affect us, positively or negatively. We are going through a strange period and we have to adapt to the changes that have occurred”.
Esteban Cambiasso
Are you optimistic that, against Arouca, the side will start out again afresh?
“I am always optimistic; it’s one of my key features and it has been following me throughout my entire career. I always respect the opponent, however someone who is not optimistic is not worthy of getting the qualification. We came here to make the first step”.
In the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Olympiacos faced an unknown club. The same applies here. Is this frightening for you?
“Clubs are unknown to those not involved with football. Certainly, they may not be so famous in the history of European football. However, our staff is here to brief us about everything. Thus, they no unknown club. Arouca may not be that famous in Europe, but is no stranger to us.”
What has changed in the squad with the advent of a new coach?
“Certainly, during these seven days, the coach tried to pass on his ideas about our game style. But let us be realistic; not many things can happen within a week. We are absolutely ready to play, get the qualification, and then the coach will have more time to get his ideas on our game style across. As it is the case with all coaches all over the world, no miracles can happen within a week. Certainly, he has pass on his preliminary ideas. We shall give all our power to qualify and help his ideas take shape in the course of time”.
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To see photographs from the Press conference, click HERE.
