Olympiacos will face Pafos on Wednesday (17/09) at 19:45 at “G. Karaiskakis”, in MD1 of the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League. At the pre-match press conference, the team’s coach, José Luis Mendilibar, spoke, while Alexandros Paschalakis represented the players of the Greek double winners.
The press conference of the experienced coach in detail:
How do you experience the team’s participation in the Champions League, and how ready is the team for it?
We approach this moment in a normal way; it is indeed the greatest competition, but we prepare as we always do. Nothing changes—there is no difference whether it’s for the Champions League or the championship.
Has winning the European title and participating in the Champions League raised the team’s level in some way?
We will see that tomorrow, but that is the goal. We want to go into every match with a winning mentality and show that on the pitch. Of course, there are more experienced players in the competition and clubs that have won this title, but we want to be ready and prepare the same way for every match, giving our best.
Have you decided on the starting eleven? Also, is Rodinei ready?
We don’t know if he’s ready. Until yesterday, he was undergoing treatment and didn’t train. We don’t have any updates yet. We hope that if he joins training today, he will also be available to play tomorrow. However, it’s not something that worries us. As for the starting eleven, you’ll see it tomorrow.
Pafos had an impressive run in the qualifiers. Is there anything about this team that worries you?
Pafos commands respect. They showed in the qualifiers that they are competitive, played good matches, and earned their qualification. They may not have many big stars, but they are a well-organized, disciplined, and competitive team. That is why we respect them, just like all our opponents.
Are you considering an El Kaabi and Taremi combo? Also, can you tell us something about Yaremchuk’s state of fitness?
Yaremchuk has been undergoing treatment for the past two and a half weeks. He’ll return soon, but he’s not ready yet. It’s good to have two players like El Kaabi and Taremi, and it’s great to be able to use them together. El Kaabi has been with the team for a while and has contributed a lot; we believe Taremi will also give a lot.
Paschalakis: “The opponent deserves our respect”
What must Olympiacos have to start the competition with a victory?
I believe we must continue with the same solid mentality and discipline on the pitch, while also striving to improve match by match.
At 36, you’re making your Champions League debut. How do you experience this, and what do you tell your younger teammates about these matches?
I’ve played many matches in Europe. I don’t focus on each competition separately. I’ll try, with the experience I’ve gained over the years, to do my best. I don’t wait for this specific match to give advice to my younger teammates—guidance is given daily during training.
Theoretically, Pafos is the weakest team. Do you believe that since it’s also a home match, there’s no other acceptable result but victory?
The opponent is demanding and deserves our respect. It’s no coincidence that they are here in this competition. The match requires seriousness, and we want the three points of victory—just as we’ll aim to do against all the teams we face, always showing the proper respect to our opponents.
For the players, what will satisfy you at the end of the League Phase?
To advance to the next stage. That is the goal, and that’s why we worked hard during the summer pre-season trainings, which was tough and demanding. We will definitely be happy if we qualify for the next stage of the competition.
