Takis Lemonis:
-What was his first though when taking on the team?: “Juventus; this was my first thought. Things happened so quickly that there was not time to think anything else. Actually I had my first training with the team yesterday. Today is the second and tomorrow we have an important match to play. I may start thinking of other things following our fixture with Atromitos during the break”.
-What players is he considering for the starting XI?: “Ok, I don’t want to talk about such issues of fatigue etc, we will have to see about that. The team’s outlook is not good, we all understand that; however, generally speaking, when a team is to play a set of matches for both domestic league and the UEFA Champions League, one has to think this series of matches and how players will be used. I will give particular focus on this, namely hot to manage our players so we can have a balanced roster and bring all matches to an end easily”.
-On the things he can change in terms of tactics: “When a coach has players with so much quality like those in Olympiacos, it is easier to introduce new things in tactics. All these players are in Olympiacos because they are good; moreover, our job becomes easier in order to explain and deliver the things we want. There are some things I have in mind and I have always been acting on the basis of the side we are to play against. I like building teams that keep ball possession, create chances, but let us be realistic; we have to play in the UEFA Champions League and our domestic championship, two different worlds in terms of intensity and mindset. Currently, we are thinking about how to face Juventus. We had a talk with the players, we watched the video, and we didn’t come here just to play a match against Juventus. We came having a specific goal in mind, that is to return in the dressing room after the match feeling happy with our effort. Coming back and say that we merely played a match, this will not make us happy”.
-On the Juventus player he considers dangerous and whether changing your coach is in favor of the team: “Today, in football, there is no such thing as a surprise. All teams scout their opponents and it is hard to catch any UEFA Champions League by surprise; but your question was originally about any player we consider the most. So, there are many such players, Dibala may be one that performs well, but, for God’s name, we see players coming from the bench and performing fantastically”.
-How much different is Olympiacos compared to last year: “Olympiacos had to go through a process they haven’t experienced in previous years, that is to give qualifying matches in order to get to the group stage. This makes the difference in terms of pre-season training, since you have to start earlier and have immediately results within a month. I am for a small time with the team to tell the difference. I think we have a more quality-filled roster. This may be the difference”.
Silvio Proto:
-How do you feel about playing tomorrow against Juventus: “The truth is that tomorrow we are to play a tough match against one of the best teams in the world. We are here to give our best. For me, this is a special match since half my family is Italian and the rest is Belgian. My father is from Sicily and I left Italy in the age of 2 to move to Belgium. I am happy to be here”.
-On his return to the UEFA Champions League and his state of fitness: “It is true tomorrow will be a particular day for me. It marks my return to top flight matches following a mishap that nearly made me stop playing football. Tomorrow, I am back with an amazing team like Olympiacos and I am here with my squad to do everything we can on the pitch”.
