Words by Mr Pedro Martins:
Is this the first time your team has won the first leg by 4-0 and how should the team play tomorrow?
“It has nothing to do with coaches and the past. This is a match between Olympiacos and Krasnodar. The first leg’s score gives us an advantage, however we are to play in their home ground. We will have to be serious about it and stay focused, as well as play in a well-balanced way like we did in the first match. We will have to play as if the first match ended 0-0”.
Is the first leg’s score possible to make Olympiacos players more laxed? Players from Krasnodar said they will make a strong start and they believe in qualifying.
“There is no way for our players to be complacent. This is all about our club’s prestige and we want to make all Greeks proud. There is no way our players to be lax. They will give all they got and play seriously and with care. We will not lose this opportunity to make it to the UEFA Champions League group stage. All players know the club they represent and will do everything to play in the UEFA Champions League”.
Do you expect to play against a side like the one you hosted in Faliro or will they be different?
“Krasnodar have proven that any change in their squad has no impact on the team’s standards. No matter what they change, they still are dangerous and strong. So, tomorrow we expect to play against this side’s strongest version. Regardless of any changes, they remain strong and dangerous alike.”
Did you expect your first match lead to be that big?
“Truth be told, things were quite balanced in large part of the game. We managed the match in a smart way and used all necessary chances to build this lead. For most of the game it was evenly matched between the teams Στη μεγαλύτερη διάρκειά του όμως, ο αγώνας ήταν πολύ ισορροπημένος».
Words by Ruben Semedo:
Did you expect, during your initial talks to join Olympiacos, you would find yourself just one match away from the group stage and having conceded no goal so far in the competition?
“I reckon that, in football, dreaming is allowed to no one. I can say I am happy and grateful to my coach and Olympiacos for this chance I got. I have worked hard to be at this place and, tight now, there is no point in talking about Ruben; it’s all about Olympiacos and the objective we are so close to attain”.
Once told that Krasnodar qualified against Porto, did this bring a smile on your face?
“I believe that, in this level of competition, all teams are strong. I was not thinking about the opponent we would face. “We know we have a tough opponent to play against and will give it all to qualify. We want to play a good match like we did at home.
Is keeping a clean sheet an extra incentive for you and your teammates? Please, also comment on your collaboration with Meria.
“It is true that conceding no goal in so many fixtures is a very positive thing. It gives you great joy and strength to keep on playing. As per Meria, we have a great collaboration, he is an outstanding player and everyone is at our coach’s disposal”.
