Olympiacos have made it to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals, after knocking Fenerbahce out and our team coach Jose Louis Mendilibar, during the post-match press conference in Turkey, pointed out he hoped the read-and-white side can go all the way.
Below follow details of the Basque coach’s press conference:
“This was truly interesting and challenging match, we had to show a great deal of resilience since we conceded a goal as soon as in the 11’ and we knew that pressure was coming upon us; so, it happened. I think however that we deserve to be at this point, we managed to put up with our opponent’s pressure in particular in the first half. After the break, I believe we quite changed things and lifted some of the pressure and also created some chances ourselves. This was how the match developed until the end; this was a very tough tie for both sides that was determined in the penalty shoot-out, when -as everyone knows- anything can happen”.
This is the biggest moment ever in the history of Olympiacos. Have you realized that? Moreover, Guardiola recently said that penalties have nothing to do with luck. So, we would like your comment on Tzolakis.
I am happy that upon my presence here Olympiacos wins their first ever qualification to a European competition semifinal and I know how important this is for the club; given that we have come so far, I hope we will not stop and reach even farther. As for Tzolakis, indeed I know he is a young guy staying at the bench so far. This was a decision of ours because we knew he was doing great. A penalty shoot-out has many things to do with the goalkeeper’s skills, especially when it comes to saves like those of Tzolakis, because when the ball is off target or kits the woodwork, then this is also partly a matter of luck. But a goalkeeper saves the shots, then this has surely to do with his skills and his hard work. We are quite satisfied with Tzolakis.
Why did you choose not to watch the penalty shoot-out?
I had never been able to stay and watch any penalty shoot-out in my career, especially when it is my team taking the penalty kick. When it is the other team’s turn, I normally watch. This time I decided to watch no penalty shots at all and I think this brought us luck.
