Pedro Martins:
On Olympiacos plans to get a positive result: “Certainly, our opponent is a quality side; no doubt, we have to play to win. It is important to be the one to have control of the match, Betis features quality players and they are experienced. Especially their transfers are players of high caliber. They are a dangerous side and we must not allow them to take control. We will be playing at home, our fans always give us strength and we also are an experienced squad in such top-level tournaments. It will be a balanced encounter. Control of the play will be equally shared in the tie, both here and in Spain; both matches will be well-balanced and we have to be very careful. It will definitely be a quality match tomorrow“.
On how important it is for Olympiacos to start off with a win: “It is very important to start off with a win in such a tournament and at this stage. The side to win will earn a lot for the future, both in terms of points earned and psychology. The first match day is very important. The side to be patient will have an extra point in this match; we want to show that we are determined to earn what we want at home“.
On whether he will make changes in the lineup:“You will see no major changes. Yet, there will be some since there are players who feel too tired. The ones who have played the most will still cap, but you have to wait for that till tomorrow. There will be however some small changes”.
On his feelings when listening to his players saying that they will go till the end of the line in this campaign: “Ιt takes one step after another to build a dream. Dreaming gives power. We are an ambitious side and we work a lot. We keep building our dream and should we continue working like that, we might make it until that point. It goes without saying that we are no favorite team but we have to keep on dreaming. Certainly, we have first to make it through the group stage and then continue with our dream. Let me remind you that Greece won the EURO 2004, just like Portugal did two years ago and nobody would have said that. They were no favorites but they made it; in football, everything is possible“.
Whether the side’s formation will also change: “In terms of formation, you will see no change. We are loyal to our philosophy no matter the opponent; this is the system we believe suits us the best. Changes will have to do with players, not the system itself».
Miguel Ángel Guerrero:
What does he recall from his last match as a Leganés player, which was against Betis: “Indeed, this had been the one. I believe they have an improved side with a new coach, who has changed their philosophy. It’s a quality side with quality players; however, we are also a strong team, well prepared both physically and mentally. Although they are strong, we are ready to face them“.
His comment on Tsimikas and Toure’s words that Olympiacos may reach the UEFA Europa League final: “I believe it is very good there is such ambition and self-confidence in the dressing room Tomorrow’s match is the first step; we are focused on that and, step by step, we keep building our dreams for the future”.
