Kovacevic: “It’s unbelievable what happened with the Conference – Marinakis is my friend”

Interview by Darko Kovacevic in “Mundo Deportivo”.

The sports director of Olympiakos spoke about the historic conquest of the European title by Piraeus. “In February, the president called me and I didn’t think about it”, the Serb pointed out and emphasized that Vangelis Marinakis is his friend.

“I met with the president and immediately that name came up. I called his agent, who was also mine, and spoke to Mendy. We reached an agreement very quickly,” he stressed about the recruitment of Mendiliber.

He spoke in detail about:

-the congratulations he got after winning the Conference League: “I have received many messages, I am very grateful. I always have feelings for Real Sociedad. I hope one day Real Sociedad achieves what Olympiacos achieved. We have made history. It is a trophy for all Greeks and we are proud. It’s something impressive».

– his feelings after the final whistle: “You have to live it to understand it. It’s a mix of emotions. I wanted to cry, to laugh, to run. The joy is immense and everything goes through your head. I hugged everyone, even the fans. And in the middle were Fiorentina players, lying on the ground, devastated. It’s an incredible thing. The Olympiacos fans and the Greeks deserved it. It is Olympiakos’ first European title. I dreamed about it for a long time. And the dream came true. It is incredible».

– what he achieved as a player and if it is something similar: “It’s something different. This is Olympiakos’ first European title. I dreamed of this, for a long time and the dream came true. It’s something incredible».

-if he scored a goal… Kovacevic El Kaabi: “He is a great striker. It was the 115th minute and he was focused, as forwards should be. He reaches the first crossbar and puts it. That is very important, having a center forward like that. If a striker scores 20 or 30 goals, the team’s success is guaranteed».

– his collaboration with Mediliber: “The work of the children was spectacular and they deserve what they have achieved. We have created a family atmosphere. Everyone contributed, even those who didn’t play. This is very important. They are good guys, professionals and very good football players».

-the intake of Mediliber: “I met with the president and immediately that name came up. I called his agent, who was also mine, and spoke to Mendy. We came to an agreement very quickly. He wanted to come, to leave Spain for the first time. Olympiacos had many Spanish coaches and spoke with Ernesto Valverde. As a result, three or four days after I arrived, Medilibar also came».

-how he became sports director of Olympiakos: “I have been associated with Olympiakos for a long time. Marinakis, the president, is my friend, we have very good relations. In February the president called me and I didn’t think anything of it. The situation was bad, there were no good results and in three months we completely turned it around. It’s about being happy».

-whether he would like a duel between Olympiakos and Real Sociedad in the Europa League: “No, the truth is, no. I wouldn’t want us to play against Real Sociedad. I can’t want Real to lose or Real to be disqualified. It would be very difficult for me. What do you want me to answer you? I would like to win and then I will cry because Real Madrid lost».

– the possibility of the two teams meeting in the final: “That would be a very good thing. Although it would be very difficult».