Almeida: “Olympiacos has been playing well lately, we still have 90 minutes ahead of us”

In his good image Olympiakou last stood the Matias Almeida in his statements to Cosmote TV ahead of the rematch in the semi-finals of the Cup, on Wednesday (03/01, 20:00), at “G. Karaiskakis”.

The AEK coach emphasized, among other things: “It is true that they have been playing well lately. I have a lot of respect for all opponents. I have a lot of respect for the history of each club. But we, for our part, create our own history».

In detail what he said:

About AEK’s image in the first game against Olympiakos:

“I think the team left a good image. But, I don’t dwell on that. What we have to think about is that we still have ninety minutes to go and we have to get a good picture again».

On whether his team wants to defend the 3-0 first-leg lead or play as if it ended 0-0:

“We have already spoken enough with the footballers and we will speak again. Now the players know the idea I have…»

Regarding what Olympiacos is expecting, in relation to its good image in the derby against Panathinaikos:

“It is true that they have been playing well lately. I have a lot of respect for all opponents. I have a lot of respect for the history of each club. But we, for our part, create our own history. We are very focused on our own way of playing. We analyze the opponents a lot, but mostly focus on ourselves».

Regarding the absences and whether it will play a role in the selection of the starting lineup, the fact that the return match comes between the matches with Astera Tripoli and OFI, so given the 3-0 in the first match, he might not want to “load” some players with a long playing time:

“The truth is that I have been making decisions since the day I started this job. The hardest thing every time is making the best decisions. I always think, when I make a decision, that it is the best. But I never think about the next game before I play the one in front of me. It is now. The next game we have, it’s really important. It is a game that gives you the chance to go to the final. So, I will try to make the best decision and at the same time analyze my strategy».

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