Olympiacos manager José Luis Mendilibar spoke at the post-match press conference after his team’s 2–0 victory over OFI in the Greek Cup final, highlighting the collective effort of the “red-and-whites” throughout the season.
In detail, the press conference from the experienced coach:
How does it feel for the manager of Olympiacos to win the double in the club’s centenary year? And a comment on the strikers, who continue scoring even at the end of the season.
I haven’t fully realized how I feel yet. In the coming days, I’ll reflect on what has happened this season and what we’ve achieved. But we owe everything to the team and the entire group of players, who have worked together and made all this possible. We should also say that those who didn’t play much are the ones who contributed the most to the team, because they were always there for us. As for our strikers, what can I say – it’s a great source of satisfaction for us. El Kaabi keeps scoring, and Roman is always ready to help the team, even though he hasn’t had many consecutive games.
Has this year at Olympiacos, since May 29 last year until now, been the most intense of your career?
The truth is I never imagined what would happen at Olympiacos when I first joined the team. Last year, we won a European title for the first time in the club’s history. This year, we’ve won the league and the cup, and we’re happy about that. Maybe we have one regret – our European run, because we could have done more. Now we’re already thinking about the new season, because this team is demanding and we need to hit our targets again.
At the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Nea Filadelfeia, you said you wanted to win the double in the club’s centenary year. Now that you’ve achieved that, do you see the Champions League as Olympiacos’ next goal?
That has to be our next project, and we know how difficult and demanding it is. We’re under contract for next season, and our job is to prepare a strong team for the League Phase of the competition. We want to have a good season and present ourselves well. We’re aware of the challenges this project brings, but we’re here to overcome them – without, of course, neglecting the league and cup in Greece next season.
You used a lot of youth players this season. Do you think it’s time for these youngsters to take the next step? Also, do you think this final -with fans from both teams present- can mark a new beginning for Greek football?
If we want Greek football to grow, the first thing that needs to happen is full stadiums with fans from both teams. That’s very important. As for our youth players, it’s up to them and the club to think it through and make decisions. Things will happen as they should – step by step. Of course, there will be offers, but the club must decide what’s best. They need to move up gradually, one step at a time, not in big leaps. But I’m certain they will progress in the future. Still, the decision belongs to the club and the players themselves.
Are there places in Piraeus that won’t let you pay when you go there?
I’m not someone who goes out a lot, but it’s true that whenever I do, everyone shows me a lot of love and wants to take photos with me. But that’s normal, because things are going well right now. When they’re not going well, the opposite will happen. I also want to congratulate OFI for making it to the final and pushing us until the end. Usually, no one remembers the runner-up, but I want to recognize OFI for their journey.
What would you like to promise the fans, who have always been by your side, for the new season?
The only thing I can promise is hard work – I can’t promise results. People often say that when you work hard, the results will come, but in football that’s not always the case. But we’ll keep working and doing our best.
