The new coach of Olympiacos, Carlos Corberan, observed several positive elements in the game against Slovan Bratislava in “G. Karaiskakis” (1–1).
The Spanish head coach of the “red-and-whites” spoke at the press conference about the response of the Piraeus team following Slovan Bratislava’s lead, while announcing his watchword for victory-qualification in Slovakia.
The press conference of Carlos Corberan in detail:
We are aware of the difficulty of the situation, but tell us about the first picture you had of the match and what changes can we expect from you next?
From the first moment I got here, 3 days ago, I had a talk with the players and, besides discussing the basics, I asked that we rediscover our competitive nature. The organisation presented a good behaviour in the field, not so good at times, but in general a prospect for good behaviour aiming at a good organisation. I saw some positive aspects, as well as others that need improvement. I liked that after conceding the goal, the team was inclined to react without exhibiting the emotions of the previous match where they wanted to quit the game; I saw a reaction and I liked it. Had we lost, we would have to win next week, but the same applies now with the draw. Had we won, we would still have gone for victory next week, therefore our behaviour and logic for the rematch does not change.
The coach of Slovan Bratislava said that he expected you to play with three stoppers; how much did the injuries of Vrsaljko and Manolas affect your tactic? Also, will we see El Arabi as a starting player in the next game?
When I took over the team, they were used to playing with 4 players, so I didn’t think it was right to change the tactic and also wanted to focus on our offensive track. From the day I joined Olympiacos, Vrsaljko was in pain and Manolas was injured, so the plan was not changed on my initiative. If Vrsaljko was well, he would have played instead of Avila.
You told us what you liked – what was it that you didn’t like and you wish to change in view of the next match?
I am well aware that, right now, this wasn’t the work I wanted to show and the team didn’t develop the way I wanted. I want to see a team that plays better and high quality soccer, but the first thing that needs to be done is for the team to conquer better behaviour in the field. Nothing about football matters, if a team does not show good behaviour and a willingness to master what the coach is showing, so we want to change the team’s behaviour and enjoy soccer the way we want to.
The first step is the hardest. Does this kickoff seem more difficult than what you expected? Do you also think your voice will be hoarse for a long time after each match?
Fans are louder than me, so I have to shout even more loudly in this exciting atmosphere. It was pleasant to be among the fans of Olympiacos and I truly believe that the draw was the result of our fans transferring their energy. Sometimes coaches make similar statements in order to sound kind, but this is tonight’s reality regarding the fans. I knew the game would be a difficult one and we had little time to prepare. We are now going to work hard for the next game. I had seen several of our team’s matches and I knew what the advantages and drawbacks were, and I am currently focusing on solving the problems that the team exhibits and strengthening the positive elements.
