History was written by his… legendary “babies”. Olympiakou on Friday afternoon (19/04), with the “red and whites” bowing out 3-1 on penalties to Nantes (0-0 regular time), qualifying for the Youth League final for the first time in the club’s history!
After the end of the match, the “architect” of the team, Sotiris Sylaidopouloswho watched the semi-final from the stands due to suspension, declared that he was proud of the success and what the children did, stressing among other things that the Olympiacos academy has a lot to offer the first team, making special reference to Constanti Tzolakis and in his appearance in the City yesterday!
The statements of Sotiris Sylaidopoulos in detail:
“It is a creation of everyone, of the academy, of the years. I am happy and proud to coach this team. I would like to congratulate the partners, who did an excellent job, they deserve to be congratulated.
I’m trying to get down to earth. It is a tremendous achievement for the club. A kid from the academy taking a penalty yesterday in Istanbul, becoming the first team in the club’s 100-year history to reach the final of a European competition. We are proud, those who are Olympians are proud, as are most Greeks I imagine.
It’s different being off the bench. Maybe it helps sometimes to see things. The most important thing I told the guys before is that the team has a metal, a character that makes it special, as a team and as a process of managing emotions.
I am a member of the first group, and I know that it is exactly the same work that is being done. Maybe the way you pass it on to children is different. But at Olympiakos, the work is completely professional, of a high standard. Results are a way to evaluate.
The fact that players go to the first team, like Tzolakis who qualified yesterday in Polis, several of them are members of the B team. The club expects a lot from the academy and that makes us doubly happy!
One more step to end the track. Making history is exhausting the scope to do it the best you can. Go back to the locker room and not feel guilty. I thank them from the bottom of my heart because I didn’t want my cycle to end with me on the podium. It was the best gift they gave me!”
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.
