Martins’ quotes on detail:
On Olympiacos and what we can expect:
In my opinion we should expect a big match. I went to see our pitch. Congratulations on our stadium and on our pitch, which are among the best in Europe. Whoever will come here tomorrow will watch a great match.
On what conclusions he got to by watching Arsenal closely:
Arsenal is an excellent team. Arteta has added elements. Playing at home, they might be much stronger. Also, despite the 15-day break in England, it looks like they made progress. Arteta has combined new elements with old ones.
On the similarities with the matches against Tottenham and on the chances to qualify:
Tottenham and Arsenal are two completely different teams, with different intentions from the coach, different approaches and different features. Tottenham has experience and physicality, while Arsenal has young players with very good technique. They have no similarities. We are fully prepared for two matches against a very good opponent. The only way we can do it on tomorrow’s match is with our fans on our side. I say this in all honesty, since it’s difficult for any team to face us at our stadium. We had only one loss on the last 12 matches, and it was by Bayern Munich, which aims for the title. If we play with courage and bravely tomorrow, we have good chances of defeating a very good team.
On the starting eleven:
I haven’t decided yet. Of course, all available players, except Soudani, can start.
On the fact that there’s also a derby against PAOK:
We take the Europa League very seriously. All our focus is on Arsenal. The match against PAOK is far away. Afterwards, we’ll look at the next match, which is important. However, now our priority is Arsenal. Later, we’ll look at managing the team and at what we’ll do for PAOK.
On Soudani and Podence being absent:
They were really important to us. Nevertheless, we certainly have alternatives and players with features. We can fill this gap with work and adaptation.
Tsimikas’ quotes on detail:
On having been distinguished as one of the best debutants:
First of all, I’m very happy about being on the best eleven. It gives me extra motivation. We have a difficult match. I believe the team will be fully ready.
On having to face Pépé and on Arsenal and its interest on him:
It’s definitely an extra motivation. I don’t know anything about any interest. They certainly have very high quality players. I’m focused on my performance and on the coach’s plan. Our goal is always to win.
