One day before kicking off the new Champions League campaign, Olympiacos head coach, Leonardo Jardim, and our defender, Jose Cholevas, attended the usual Press Conference and addressed the Press on the important fixture against Schalke.
The first to speak was Leonardo Jardim. Here are his statements:
On the challenge that the tomorrow’s encounter constitutes for both Olympiacos and himself: Our aim is the same as that of the other clubs in the group. We want, as they do, to go through to the next stage. That is the challenge for all of us.
On whether he is nervous about the first match: This game is different from those we have played in the Greek championship so far. It is a very crucial match. It is important to obtain a good result, make a promising start and our fans, who are here to support us, happy.
On whether there will be any surprise as to the team’s formation: All the players who have joined us are ready and able to play. Tomorrow those more fit will begin, but those on the bench must be prepared to contribute as well.
On whether Olympiacos must benefit from playing at home: We obviously must make the most of the power provided by playing at home, the strength drawn when playing before our fans. In general we must obtain the result we desire at this stadium, which is our driving force. On the other hand we are going to play against powerful opponents, so we must be serious and concentrated.
On what will make the difference in the match: I believe that the game will be balanced. FC Schalke is very good, they have good players individually. On the other hand, we rely on our team spirit, which is our comparative advantage and should be used to the utmost. Schalke is good at free-kicks, while we will try to benefit from our own advantages.
On the encouraging “tradition” against German teams: A favourable tradition is certainly encouraging, though this is an entirely new game and tradition cannot be of any help. We have to view this new game separately.
On some mistakes observed in Olympiacos defense: Our defense has changed, new players have joined and improvement should be achieved, though it requires time. Both Manolas and Siovas are good players and we may rely on them, although their performance is expected to further improve.
On Contreras: He is on his way back, after we missed him due to his injury.
On whether some players will be called upon to “shoulder” the responsibility for the entire team: I believe that all players will contribute tomorrow. Some of them are more experienced; however, rather than relying just on 11 players, we count on all our potential, which is one of our advantages.
Questions were then asked to Jose Cholevas, who commented:
On his view about FC Schalke: Schalke has some advantages regarding both their defense and attack and have players like Holtby and Afellay. The game will not be an easy one.
On any possible differences with Dortmund, that Olympiacos met during the last season: Difference has to do with experience. Schalke has expert players as Fuchs, Jones, Huntelaar and others. Dortmund was a younger team.
On the differences in defense compared to last season: Changes have certainly taken place. Our last year’s defense was more experienced with Mellberg and Avraam. New players have joined the team this year. They are good, but not experienced. During this match, in particular, they should be guided by Torossidis.
On the difference of premiere from the one of last year: The difference is that last year’s matchday hadn’t been preceded by any official matches. This year we have played three matches already and, what is more, we have won them. This match is not the final for us, but it will definitely be a hard game. If we don’t let Schalke control the game, we can win.
On whether Olympiacos is better than last year: There is no doubt that Olympiacos has been deprived of both experience and known players, but I think the team has good material and is ready for the tomorrow’s encounter.
On this year’s aim with regard to the group similarities compared to that of the last season: Each football player aims at going through to the next stage.
On the position he prefers to play in: I can play both as a defense winger and midfielder, though I feel more comfortable in the defense.
