“Last night our fans and I had a hard time sleeping due to our frustration. You played against Doxa Dramas, a practically second division team, who were passionate enough to get the desired result out of this game. On the other hand, with our performance, we gave our rivals the right to make fun of us and even the coach of Panathinaikos to speak derogatively of us.
All of my staff as well as me, we work hard all day long in order to ensure that you have everything you need; in Rendis, your homes, your cars, your payments. Yesterday, your indifference was like an act of response. Would you rather we treated you as other teams do, leaving their players unpaid, just to make our Championship a more… competitive one?
Everything we do is out of love for Olympiacos. Yesterday, I saw some of you act like veterans. Of course I do not think that you have forgotten how to play football, but you must show it and play for the shirt. I have told you repeatedly and I shall state it once again that my cooperation with Mr. Valverde has been flawless. In the game against Doxa no coach was needed in order to win. All it takes is passion. I am sad to announce a few measures I have decided upon.
No contract shall be renewed until the end of March. You were given a bonus of € 200.000 for the game against P.A.O.K. and € 300.000 more for the last six consecutive victories. This adds up to a total of € 500.000 and it shall also be the amount of your fine. If you win the championship, I will not withhold this amount. If you do not, I will. It’s up to you to play as you did in London or in Marseille; to prove your worth; to bleed the jersey.
When you kiss the emblem of Olympiacos, you should feel it. You must realize that no one will offer us anything. All teams do their best when playing against Olympiacos because that is the only way they can create history and I give them justice. Beating them is in your hands. I wish we never have to have such a conversation again. I want you to know that I am always by your side in the difficult and the hard times and I will always be there but only for those who really love this club. There is no place for tourists here. It is up to you to turn things around. You can; it’s up to you.”
After his speech, he asked Marco Pantelic, Rafik Djebbour and Kevin Mirallas to remain in the room and he then said:
“You are the best three strikers in the Championship. But I am not at all interested in which one of you will be the top scorer in the end of the season. No extra bonus will be awarded nor will I like him best. I don’t want you to be competitive with each other; play solely for the team.”
Furthermore, prior to his departure from Rendis, he also spoke with Areil Ibagaza, who assured him that he is now ok and ready to play and do his best for the team.
Mr. Marinakis also announced to the players his decision to forbid any statements towards all media for a month’s period as of today.
