Olympiacos coach José Luis Mendilibar expressed his satisfaction with his team’s win and overall performance against Panserraikos, speaking at the post-match press conference following matchday 3 of the Stoiximan Super League.
The experienced coach’s opening remarks were as follows:
We started the game well and came out attacking, but we made two defensive mistakes and gave the opponent opportunities. In the second half, though, we scored early, which allowed us to play with more intensity and creativity, so from then on things were much better for us.
What were your feelings seeing Podence – who has just returned – score, and also your new signing Taremi net twice?
When they came on, everything was already going our way. They seized their moments and did what they had to do. It’s not easy, of course, to come into a game at 2–0 with the opponent down to ten men and still show that much drive, but that’s exactly why we brought them here – to make the difference on the pitch.
All the spotlight fell on Taremi and Podence, but do you think Ortega may have stolen some of the show?
He was the best.
After three wins against opponents who are, on paper, weaker, European duties now begin and the derby with Panathinaikos follows. Is the team ready for those games? And do you have any update on Martins?
We believe we’re prepared for Europe and the matches ahead, though until you’re actually on the pitch you can never be certain. I do think the team is in good shape. The squad is stronger than last year and we have plenty of players to cope with three competitions. We’re well-prepared for all our fixtures. As for Martins, I don’t know anything definite. It doesn’t appear to be serious, but until the medical results come in we can’t say for sure.
Will Rodinei be fit for the match against Pafos? And when will Podence and Taremi be ready to play a full 90 minutes?
Rodinei picked up a knock in training yesterday, so we wanted to rest him for Wednesday’s game. Taremi played some matches with his national team, and Podence took part in pre-season friendlies with his previous club, so in theory they’re fit. They’ll need a short period of adaptation, but definitely shorter than most because they’re top-quality players.
