Martinez: “We need to show personality against Genk, Huang available”

With the motto that the Olympic must always play with a winning spirit and by bringing out passion and concentration on the pitch, Diego Martinez sent his message for matches with Genkstressing that his team must have personality.

THE Spanish technician at the press conference for the first match against the Belgians for the third qualifying round of the Europa League, he initially wanted to refer to the tragic incident of the murder of the 29-year-old friend of AEK, Michalis, outside the OPAP Arena, stressing that violence has no place at football.

He then expressed his belief that Piraeus will present the best possible face on Thursday (10/8, 22:00), while borrowing a saying from Jorge Valdano to highlight the talent of his team.

At the same time, he mentioned that Huang will be available for the matchbut he pointed out that there are Olympiakos players who are not ready to play 90 minutes this season.

He spoke in detail about:

-the percentage he would like the team to be ready and at what percentage he thinks he will be ready: “Before we start I would like to express my condolences to the family, the loved ones of Michalis. This is not football. Violence has no place in football and discussions about football. We are very much looking forward to the match, it is our first game of the new season, the first in “G. Karaiskakis” I don’t know any team that is 100% ready this season. We are full of expectations, ambitions. We are ready to be at our best to get the best out of this match».

-the fact that Servette comes from exclusion: “Our intention is to show our best possible face to do our best. The opponent wants to have the ideal conditions. Right now it’s not the past that matters, but what will happen in the match».

-the experiences he has from Spain and Europe and the new challenge he has in front of him in tomorrow’s match and if he is anxious: “It’s something special, it’s the first official step, it’s something new. We are playing at home and we want to take advantage of the momentum of the world and the conditions to take our first step. Jorge Valvdano used to say that when there are demands, talent is needed and our team has enough talent. In the last few weeks I’ve been talking about the history of the stadium and the area here, so I want that fighting spirit to come out on the pitch. To play with our soul, beyond our talent and bring that passion to the pitch for a positive result».

– the elements that Olympiacos must have in order to win tomorrow’s match: “The qualification will be played in two games, we want to go through. In all games we want to show passion, to have optimism. The goal is always to win, to always be the best team. We are smart enough to know how to face a difficult opponent. We should be so strong and hopeful for this beginning. A qualification needs two games. We will need to go through several paths. You need to be lucky to achieve success. Each qualifying round is a separate story. Next week two teams play in the Super Cup and if you think about it they faced a lot of difficulties to get to winning the two trophies, in Europe there are many difficulties, You have to be ready for everything».

– the recipe that Olympiacos must have in order to reach its goal: “I haven’t decided yet on the… prescription dosage. What I can guarantee is that we have analyzed the opponent a lot. What is important is to show personality on the pitch and show off the elements we have worked on. To be flexible and disciplined to adapt to the conditions of the match. There is no doubt that success in both areas is important».

-whether you have an advantage in reading the opponent because you know more about the opponent due to official duties: “In football we have many tools to work with. We know each other well. What matters is on match day you have success in the performance of the footballers. Everyone can see different situations as an advantage or a disadvantage. Genk for example is more connected because it has started earlier. What matters are the events and the personality that we will show on the pitch and to bring out what we have worked for. Nothing can be considered a surprise because we play in Europe. We should not think that she was eliminated from the Champions League, but that she is the champion of Belgium. The Europa League is nice because it has strong opponents».

-if Huang is available: “Huang is available. But not only for Huang’s case, but the whole team has players who are not ready to play the whole match right now. I want to make it clear that a lot of weight falls on the starting line-up in general, but 11 players don’t win matches. They are won by those who play from the beginning, those who enter and those who are on the bench. We pay a lot of attention to team management, you should know that and for the rest of the season, we pay a lot of attention to this part».

-Seville’s participation in the Super Cup: “I really think it’s very important, I’m very deeply connected to Seville. I won’t be able to watch the match, I only have Olympiakos on my mind. The red pitch brought back good memories from the first moment».