Olympiacos coach José Luis Mendilibar, in his post-match press conference after the 2-0 away win against Volos in the league, referred to the team’s fans, but also to his players’ tenacity in attack to score.
In detail, here is what the experienced coach of the ‘red and whites’ had to say:
Olympiacos scored again in the final minutes, as they did against Asteras Aktor. Was it a similar match?
The truth is that the two matches were similar and both teams played relatively closed, although Volos was more open in its play, in the sense that it threatened us more than Asteras. But we will often find this in the Greek league. In this match, we took advantage of set pieces to score.
How useful do you consider the break that will be created for international duties, and how should Olympiacos strengthen in order to break down these defenses?
The truth is that patience is needed to “open up” the opponent’s defenses. But this shouldn’t worry us too much. Of course, it would be better if the goal came earlier, but when we keep pressing, the moment will come when the opponent can no longer resist. We must insist in every match, and I believe that if we do, we will be able to score consistently. That’s football, and it’s part of the game.
A comment on the adaptation of the new players in the team:
Slowly, everyone will adapt. Last year we had an excellent season, and that was thanks to the players we have. That’s why there’s no need to rush; everyone must earn their place by working hard. There’s no need for stress. We have many matches across three competitions, and before Christmas we’ll have to play more than 20 games. That’s why everyone will adapt without hurry, and everyone will be useful.
And a comment on hearing his name again from the Olympiacos fans:
They were incredible once again. I was impressed by the number of fans who followed us. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve coached a team supported by so many traveling fans, and it was a league match, not a final. It had never happened to me before, which is why I thank them for their support.
