On detail:
The impression we get is that this result was unfortunate and unfair. Do you agree with that?
We really did play a good game in general. We entered with intensity, made a good match for 20 minutes and it was difficult for Arsenal. Then, Arsenal won space and especially in their offensive line they have excellent players. The first part was balanced. In the second half we started well, but we expected something more. We had our chances to score. Right now everything is open, we believe in ourselves and we believe we can make a good result in London.
Once, another coach said that the ball is like a prostitute. Do you agree with that? Does this 0-1 result inhibit Olympiacos’ dreams?
The truth is that in football some things can be unfair and cruel, but that’s why people love it. We believe in ourselves very much, the truth is that we’ve shown that we can achieve many things. Of course, we’re facing a great opponent, which is very well organized and has been improving significantly. In the last few months we’ve seen that their performance shows an improvement. We believe very much in ourselves.
Olympiacos ran a lot today and on Sunday it has an important match against PAOK. How much will this affect your players against a team that rested this week?
There are a lot of important matches during the season. This is really an important match. I have complete confidence in the team’s staff. We have started the players’ recovery. We’re not talking only about rest, but also about nutrition, supplements and everything they need to do to be ready and on the highest level possible for Sunday. Sunday’s match is very important, but not decisive. It’s a match we want to win. We’ll do everything to win. And also, why do you think we’ll play with the same starting eleven?
Did you think about starting with Kostas Fortounis, since in a news report there was some information about that? On the first half, Olympiacos didn’t have much time with ball possession and El Arabi was very lonely in the offensive line. Did you considered using Fortounis from the start or not?
The truth is that I thought about it. We worked hard on all the alternatives. These are some decisions I have to make. I have no regrets. We’ve played with three midfielders and we’ve done well. I had no regrets about putting in Fortounis at that precise minute. These are decisions you make at that precise minute with the existing circumstances at that moment.
