THE Olympic faces Maccabi Tel Aviv for the “16” of the Conference League, with Andre Horta to make statements hosted in the match program of the match.
Among other things, the Portuguese midfielder spoke about his decision to come to Greece, what it’s like to play in Karaiskakis, his collaboration with the other Piraeus midfielders and the team’s goals.
Analytically:
What has helped you adapt so easily and quickly and present this image?
“I think the secret is the people at the club and my teammates. Of course the fact that there are many Portuguese people helps me, but that’s not all. All my teammates have welcomed me very well, we have a very good atmosphere and when you feel like that, when you feel the trust of the players and the coach, everything becomes easier and you just enjoy football.”
Olympiacos is coming off an impressive winning streak. What should you do with your teammates to keep it going and for the team to progress dynamically in Europe and Greece?
“I think it’s important for me and my teammates to understand that today no game is easy and we always have to think that in order to win all the games, we have to work hard in training and during the matches. We have to concentrate on work, as we do. And to always know the great responsibility of representing this great club. Big clubs need titles and to win titles you have to win games. That is why we must understand that we have not yet achieved anything. We are third in the standings and in the “16” of the Conference. To win titles we have to keep winning, with that mentality. Nothing else is enough.”
How is working with your teammates in the midfield? You have created a powerful set that goes from good to better.
“It is a very easy collaboration, because these are footballers who think about football like me. The strength, however, does not come from the midfield, but from the team. When you have a strong team it will be strong and the midfield and individuals will stand out. When you play with footballers who like to play with the ball and with these characteristics, it will be easier for everyone. We communicate well but not only us, the whole team is getting better and better.”
Are things at Olympiakos as you expected? What has made the biggest impression on you during your time wearing the Olympiakos shirt?
“What has impressed me the most is of course the greatness of the world, which conveys to you the reality: That you always have to win. The constant responsibility, a pressure that is very beautiful. When we chose this profession, what we wanted was to win games and titles. And Olympiacos is a club that gives you with its people the power to always succeed”.
Having now realized the dynamics of the team, where do you think they can go in Europe?
“The truth is, I don’t really like planning the future. Now we have to concentrate on Maccabi and this is the most important game because it is the next one. Of course we would all like to go to the next stage, but now let’s think about Maccabi, then Panathinaikos and then the second away game. That’s what I’m thinking, let’s get through this phase. It doesn’t help to think further ahead, let’s stay grounded and focused in these games.”
How does it feel when you compete in a packed “G. Karaiskakis”? What feeling does it make you feel?
“It’s a beautiful feeling. It creates a good pressure for you, which is good for us. It makes us feel that even when we are tired, we can give something more. Because we have the world behind us to support us. It’s important to have the support and the sense of security that they will be with us even if something goes wrong.”
Do you feel justified in your choice to sign for Olympiakos? What would you say to a football player who would ask you what you think about the team, if he had an offer from Olympiakos and wanted your advice?
“I’m very happy with my decision, yes. When they told me about the possibility of coming here, my answer was immediately “yes”. I knew about the Portuguese footballers who were in the team, but also others who had passed through here. And everyone spoke very well to me about the club, the conditions, the world. I enjoy it very much and hope to enjoy it much more. I will continue to fight for our goals and what I want is a lot of success with this club.”
Read the Match Program of the match Olympiacos – Maccabi Tel Aviv, for the first match of the round of 16 of the UEFA Europa Conference League! ??????
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— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) March 7, 2024
Source: Sport Fm
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.
