-If this is his top moment at the helm of Olympiacos to date: “Indeed, Ansarifad’s goal came at a crucial moment. We have said that this goal would have been very important. Following that, things became easier since our opponent had to spread on the pitch and attack. After our goal, we faces some threats, our opponent had their share, yet we managed to balance the match and keep control. In general, it was a balanced match. It wasn’t that easy as demonstrated by the final result, but although we deserved to go through, they weren’t worthy of conceding so many goals. Our first goal actually unlocked the match for us; that’s why I said it was a crucial moment. As for your second question, I don’t think we should only live for these moments or insist on it more than we should. I am balanced person, I live for both the positive and the negative results. If it wasn’t for tonight’s win, we would have made it to the next round. I am happy with it. We have to celebrate that with moderation, since we have very little time. We have to focus on the encounter against Panionios, so I wouldn’t like to say that this is my top moment in Olympiacos bench yet”.
-On Leali’s performance: “Generally speaking, we didn’t suffer that many attacks of dangerous situations by our opponent. We did suffer a couple of counter-attacks and indeed Leali reacted well in both of them. I don’t believe we were that good in containing these counter-attacking as in the first leg. All in all, in the first half, both teams did not suffer any major threat. Our best moment for the entire first half was a corner kick. Leali’s display was satisfactory during the match and, at this point, I would like to stress that since the start of this year, we have decided to split caps between Kapino and Leali. This competition is really good and helpful for the team, since we have a pair of goalkeepers ready to play. Thanks to this kind of competition, they have both improved their performance. We are happy for Olympiacos having a pair of fit goalies”.
-On Retsos and Ansarifad’s display: “Indeed, we suffered 2 important losses and we still insist on saying they were both players with a great impact on the team. We had to replace Ideye with Karim, a player who joined us midway the season, he is still getting familiarized with us and we also try to habituate ourselves to his characteristics.it is very important his scored twice. He performed great and we are happy with the way covered for Ideye. As for Retsos, he played again in the position of Lucas, he offered many tings both in defense and offense. Retsos got skills, speed, he is good in the air, he is full of zest, he is very young and he has lots of things to give; he also plays in a position that is not his normal one. He is great in intercepting the ball, imposing our gamestyle on the opponent and we are very happy by his performance to date”.
-Any particular preference about tomorrow’s draw: “No. Currently, I only think of the match against Panionios. Tomorrow is the draw, so we will reflect on that after the draw is over. Until that moment our mind is fixed on Panionios.”
–On the criticism aimed against the team:“This qualification means a lot to us, since it was one of our goals; to go through and continue in the tournament. We are satisfied we made it. However, we have very little time to enjoy the feeling, because the Panionios encounter is right before us. As for criticism, I cannot control that. This is any coach’s destiny when the team loses or wins, when the club moves forward or get disqualified in a tournament. My life is like that: Criticism coming from all places. I cannot spend time with criticism because I have other stuff to attend to in my daily routine. I enjoy the feeling of winning for some time, as I said. But I will always have my mind on our next fixture. Any top club’s coach is always under scrutiny, let alone the coach of Olympiacos. However, I don’t think of that at all,. The only thing in my mind is to prepare the team for their next match”.
