Mitchell: “I’m not at Olympiakos because I need money or a job, but because I like it”

Mitchell, after Olympiakos’ emphatic 6-1 win against Panaitolikos, was also criticized for the criticism he received after the match against AEK in the Novibet Greek Cup.

In detail, he said at the press conference about:

The image of Olympiakos with Panaitolikos: It was really a response after the knockout we suffered last week. It was a response and an outburst from the players and coaches. We often go to extremes here. From hot to cold and from good to bad. After Thursday’s result we will have to apologize but the work that has been done and the team’s progress beyond Thursday’s match should also be properly measured. We are not happy or satisfied with where we are but the statistics show an increase.

The situation has improved considerably. We cannot be our own enemies. A team that does not believe in its coach cannot play a game like today. To thank my players and to declare that I will always support them.

How difficult things were for him after AEK: Those were definitely the bitterest days. Perhaps I also noticed some lack of respect. I’m not here because I need money or a job. I’m here because I like it. I am generally humble and well educated. Sometimes you have to say I’m not just here to take criticism. I know how we always have to win.

But we have to defend ourselves and the players. I know that Olympiacos must win. But this does not mean that we have to go from one point to another. I’m an Olympiakos fan win or lose. Either I’m in Athens or I’m in Madrid.

I am very happy with my players and they deserve it. I’m not angry but sometimes things have to be said. Sometimes I look like I’m well educated but I’m not stupid.

If you felt doubts from the team: No. A team that has doubts about its manager does not do what it did today. If we have achieved something good, it is that the players believe in the coaches.

In the last 21 games I think we have lost only 1 time. The draw with PAOK was not a result that served us, but we are ahead. We were the 7th when I came. The same footballers huh?

His players: No no. The players are very happy. There is not the slightest. But as many times I demand things, I have to thank them and defend them. In this room when we lose there is one person in charge and that is me. When we win, the players are responsible.

For a coach, it is important that the team wins. I’m not here to tell you how good I am. But six goals? We don’t know how long it’s been since we put that much back in. When I came the goals for and against was 3 (meaning the difference). He is now 28.

The continuation: From the next matches there is only Lamia. Whatever happens the plan is to play as a team. From the first day I came back I asked one thing from my players. To respect their opponents, to be focused in training on the few things we ask of them but also in the match and to have the right attitude. One can make mistakes but one should keep trying. Football players are perfect in these 3 things. We may make mistakes with 11s, systems and changes but we always try to the maximum and without excuses.