“It was a match proper for the Europa League and inside the Karaiskakis Stadium. On the first 15 minutes we allowed the opponent to make its game, but then we imposed ourselves and the goal happened. Afterwards the score should have been 2-0, because there was a penalty with Podence. Instead of that, the 1-1 happened and we went at half time without an advantage. Things should have been different. On the second half we showed our superiority, we imposed our pace, we were strong, we put the opponent in a tight spot and the goals came. Congratulations to the players and to the fans for supporting us”.
On the Burnley coach’s quotes: “I told you my perspective on the penalty with Podence. This would have changed the way the match went. I don’t know what the Burnley’s coach is referring to. Whatever happened at half time happened with dignity. The people who represent Olympiacos handle these cases with dignity. On the pitch we saw two completely different teams. We were stronger, we made a strong second half and we imposed ourselves 100%. The penalty should have been given to us. We should have had the most complaints about the referee. But, of course, the errors are a part of the game”.
On how the annoyance from the referee’s decisions became an impetus on the second half: “The first thing I had on my mind to do was to calm down the players, because there was irritation. The first thing that had to happen was emotional control, I had to explain to the players that the complaints had to stay out of the pitch and that they had to do their job inside the pitch. Of course, I also gave instruction on the tactic. The most important was to build the emotional control”.
On the supporter’s presence: “It was a magnificent atmosphere, the fans were passionate and they helped us. I thank them. We’ll have a difficult league. Only if we stand united and like a family, will we be able to face the difficulties that are heading our way. We’ll repay the fans with nice victories, concentration and we’ll give our 100% so as to make them happy. I hope they give us strength again on Sunday to bring Olympiacos to its rightful place”.
