Satisfied with its performance Olympiakou against the OFI appeared Mitchell.
“Perhaps we played our most complete game since the day I returned to Olympiakos“, pointed out the Spanish technician, but also “the players showed that they respect the shirt they wear».
The 59-year-old coach left open the possibility of changes to the Piraeus roster until the end of the current transfer window, stating:It is a possibility and a departure and an arrival, however there is nothing given and you all know that 48 hours in football is a long time».
Regarding the upcoming match between Olympiakos and PAOK and the unpleasant things that happened during his previous visit, he said:I don’t want to remember that night because it was bad for football, I hope now we have a celebration for football».
What he said in detail
Your comment on the match?
“I am happy and pleased because we won in a difficult match. But perhaps we played our most complete game since the day I returned to Olympiakos».
It was an important one for your team, in the second half there were several phases but without the desired goal, your comment?
“In the game the most important thing is to create, when you do the accuracy comes and goes, no one ever knows if the goal will definitely go in. For example, OFI managed to score with one chance, so you should plan to be in the area».
How did you overcome the fear of OFI’s 0-1?
“We all fear and face such moments, but you have to overcome him. You have to turn the fear into a positive to overcome it, surely you also have fear when you have an exam at school».
What do you have to say about the next match against PAOK?
“We are prepared and in good shape right now. But now we are happy for our victory and then we will move on».
How do you feel about returning to Olympiakos?
“I have exactly the same feeling as I had as a player at Real Madrid, I feel at home here and that’s why I came back to the club, because it’s my home. I am from Madrid and I love my city, but with the same love I talk about Greece and Piraeus. I like it here I want to stay for many years».
Your comment on violence in stadiums?
“Fans are those who behave well whether it wins or loses, the rest do not love the team and football. But it is not only happening in Greece, the same is happening in Spain as well. There are people who use football to express what they want to express and that is not nice».
How did you feel when you were given the opportunity to coach Olympiakos?
“The first time well and beautifully. The second time I felt proud that Olympiacos chose me and I continue to be a choice of the team. I had the feeling from the first time I left that I would return to Olympiakos at some point».
How do you gain players’ trust?
“It is what I like most, to have personal relationships with my footballers so that I can demand things from them and they are able to give them to me».
What do you tell your team players to have the right mindset on the field?
“I always tell them to always enjoy what happens to them and live. To do the best for their profession and they are lucky to make a profession what they played since they were young and they are lucky for that. This joy can never be lost».
How do you expect the match with PAOK? Years ago when you visited this stadium again, things happened and what do you want to forget since then?
“I don’t want to remember that night because it was bad for football, I hope now we have a celebration for football. Both PAOK and us are in good condition and I hope to see a nice game, that match does not represent PAOK. I hope it will be a good game and we will be the winners».
In the first half Olympiacos was a bit sluggish, but in the second half they played perhaps one of their best games in recent years, what did you say to your players? Also a comment on Rodney?
“I think we played a complete game, we conceded the goal but then the team followed what we said. During the first half and in the score changes the team was focused and pressing, I think it was only a matter of time before the turnaround happened. It certainly helped us a lot that we equalized just before half-time, so at half-time we had to reorganize the team and the players showed that they value the shirt they wear. Of course we also had Paschalakis in the last minutes who kept us, it is difficult to find a game in which all 16 players will be good. Rodney is increasingly understanding European football and adapting. In the second half he played amazingly and he will definitely help us and people will love him even more».
How satisfied are you with the fact that Olympiacos made 24 finals and got the desired result?
“It really is enough time that the team is constantly improving and we have consecutive results without defeat. Many times the coach can do his job right but his players don’t follow him, but we are satisfied in this part and everything the team achieves is due to our players».
Should we expect any additions or departures in the coming days?
“It is a possibility and a departure and an arrival, however there is nothing given and you all know that 48 hours in football is a long time».
Mitchell also answered questions from 20 students of the 2nd special school (journalism group) of Tripoli, who watched the match from the journalistic “G. Karaiskakis”.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
