Olympiacos played with AEK at G. Karaiskakis for the return match of the Novibet Greek Cup semi-final. The red-and-whites won but could not complete the comeback and cancel their first-leg away loss
Below follow details of Olympiacos coach Jose Anigo post-match press conference:
Perhaps you should have taken your chances earlier in the match in order for Olympiacos to claim their qualification;
It was indeed a difficult challenge. We played 3 matches in the past 9 days and, except for our away first half against Panathinaikos, our performance was satisfactory because even in the Leoforos tie, our 2nd-half display was better. I would like to stick to the fact that our display in those last encounters and the results have shown we are still alive. I have never had doubts on the quality of our players and nothing is over yet. We will fight until the end to play well and get the results we want.
What do you take out of this prestige win?
This has been a good test for us; An important match, both for our prestige and, as you said, for our self-confidence. We are to face the same opponent in a few days, so this has been a good test to check how we should prepare ourselves and play. Tonight’s match has been a rehearsal for the championship match we will play against the same team.
We saw that you opted for a formation with three “10s”. You have done that twice (PAOK, AEK) and won both times. Is this something we will see again in the future?
Generally speaking, we should forget the whole thing with “10s”, because in modern football such players might play in various positions. When I first net Mathieu, he used to be a winger and then he also featured in the center midfield; Fortounis may easily start on the left and then move to the center. In modern football, players do not think about where they will play but how in order to assist their side. It doesn’t matter what number is on your jersey but if one can help their team achieve their targets.
A comment on Hwang and M’Vila and another one on the matter of the moment, the issue of referees.
Both M’Vila and Hwang are top-class players and may easily have a place in top European clubs. What I want is to find the optimum balance with the players we have. Olympiacos are lucky to feature these players because our formation relies on them. I f we want the Greek league to improve and step up. If we want top European players to join, then referees have to be on par with this level. We definitely have to change this situation and we all want Greek football to level up. For this to happen, the level of refereeing has to be improved.
James is the club’s most valuable asset. Why cannot he give the things he is truly able to? You have worked with him and Marcelo in both your capacities in the club.
I don’t think he is Olympiacos’ most valuable asset; I do not agree with that. In clubs, many players may join and be successful or not, this happens. Olympiacos are a major club in Europe, I knew about them before I joined. So, anyone who join the team, they should treat Olympiacos as a really big European club and always play at their 100%. Sometimes, several players may fail to do so, this happens. This is not the time to start looking for the reasons these things happen in football. What we all must do is to be prepared at the best of our abilities and play for this major European club, Olympiacos.
