Following Olympiacos’ match against OFI, Imanol Alguacil spoke at the post-match press conference at the “G. Karaiskakis” Stadium.
The new Olympiacos head coach’s statements in full:
We saw some different things. We saw you commit a lot of players through the middle, which is a style you have said you like and which brought you success at Real Sociedad. However, there were some issues. Is this something you will continue with, and what will you do to correct those issues?
I am just as angry as all the Olympiacos supporters because I know what it means to play in this stadium, wearing this shirt. Even though I have only been here for a short time, I feel hurt by the result, just like every Olympiacos supporter. Real Sociedad and Olympiacos are two completely different teams, with completely different objectives and players. Here, it is not enough for us just to win; we have to do it while playing very well. We do not accept defeat under any circumstances, or even a draw. I do not want to look for excuses, and I want to tell you that I will not stop working and trying so that, at the end of this season, all of you, all of us and the supporters can be proud of the team.
What would you like to say to the supporters about what comes next, in terms of your own ideas and what they can expect from you and from the team?
I don’t know about you, but for me at least, the first half-hour was not bad. We pressed very high, created danger and won the ball from a team like OFI, who are used to playing well, playing high up the pitch and having possession. During those minutes when we were better than them, we failed to score. But as time went on, they managed to push higher up the pitch, create danger and score as well, because they are a team that play well and work well. But the idea I have in mind is what you saw in the first 30 minutes: a team that wants to press and wants to win. You understand, however, that this is a process. I know there is no time. I know the position the team is in and what the club wants.
How much time do you need before we see your Olympiacos?
As you said, there is no time, so we have to work as quickly as possible. Our next match comes very soon. You know that we were coming off a Cup match, so there is very little time – virtually none. That is why we have to change things very quickly and see improvement, because we know very well the demands of Olympiacos and the demands I place on myself as a coach.
In a few days, Olympiacos play their first European match against Jagiellonia. After tonight, do you have a clearer idea of what you will do on Wednesday?
Every minute that passes makes me wiser. With every minute that passes, I get to know the players and the team better, and I understand Olympiacos much better. As we have said, we are not looking for excuses. We know where we are and the stadium we play in. The truth is that victories will give us time. When they come, we will have time to work and be calmer. There is an international break coming up, but then 12 to 15 players will leave to join their national teams. We are Olympiacos, which is why we have so many internationals. We know the demands and what needs to be done. You can be sure that with every minute that passes, I get to know the team better and I have in mind the changes that need to be made.
You have only been Armando González’s coach for two days. What qualities does he have, and what do you make of his performances?
You know him better than we do. He is a player who scored a lot of goals in another league, not here. The demands we have here, not only in this league but also the demands I have as a coach, are much greater. He is a young player who needs to adapt to the team, his teammates, the league and the country. He has many positive qualities, but also many things he needs to improve. From what I have seen of him over these two days, he is a young player who always wants to learn, and that is the best possible quality for a young player like him. I believe that by the end of the season, González will be a much better player.
What is the one area you want Olympiacos to improve most quickly ahead of the upcoming matches?
There are things that, as we said, were done badly, and if we focus on tonight’s result, then we need to change everything. But to be fair, there were also good things, and I want to highlight one of them. The attitude of both the staff and the players was excellent. I am responsible for ensuring that the team achieves its objectives and that, at the end of the season, we can all be proud of the team.
The transfer window is closing. Do Olympiacos need another signing?
The truth is that, not only at Olympiacos but at every club in the world, while the transfer market is open and there are opportunities, everyone has to remain alert. But right now, my priority is to get the best possible performance out of the players I have in my team.
