Olympiacos defeated PAOK 4–2 at “G. Karaiskakis” in MD5 of the Stoiximan Super League Playoffs, and José Luis Mendilibar delivered his post-match press conference.
Below follow words from the experienced coach of the Greek champions in detail:
You gave Anagnostopoulos an opportunity, even though he hadn’t played a single minute. Was this your way of rewarding all the players who have had limited game time? Also, could you describe the daily routine of these players within the team?
It’s true that we often remember the top scorer, the goalkeeper with the great saves, or the midfielder who drives the build-up. But it’s equally true that a big part of our success is thanks to those players who don’t get much playing time but are always here for us. Alexandros got the chance because he gives his all every day. He works hard for the team and is one of those players who help maintain high standards and keep everyone ready.
His response after conceding a goal was also important. Could this be one of the team’s secrets — to always be mentally prepared, even now when there’s no point-related motivation?
These matches might not be important in terms of points for us, but for other teams they mean a lot and they are still chasing goals, so there is intensity in these games. That’s why we must give full effort as well. This is the message we pass on to our players — that we must always give our best, whether we’re winning or losing, in every match. No one should ever say that we didn’t try, and we must always perform at the same high level — whether it’s matchday 5 or the last one.
