José Luis Mendilibar, now at Olympiakos since 2024, is no stranger to Spanish football, having managed teams like Sevilla, Eibar, and Athletic Club. Ahead of his clash against Real Madrid, he shared insights during a press conference that highlighted his deep understanding of the Spanish giants.
Mendilibar is aware of the stakes as he prepares his Greek side for a challenging encounter against the reigning La Liga champions. Despite Madrid’s recent struggles, they remain a formidable opponent. “This match is crucial; if we lose, it will be very difficult to finish in the top 24,” he emphasized, underlining the significance of securing a positive result.
Team Form and Strategy
Reflecting on his squad’s current performance, Mendilibar stated, “We’re doing well, but facing a team like Madrid is always tough. They can be dangerous even when they’re not playing their best.” He acknowledged the need for focus and discipline, especially after their previous match against PSV, where concentration was key to their success. “We must ensure they don’t catch us off guard,” he added.
Surprising the Giants
When asked about surprising Real Madrid from the outset, Mendilibar maintained a pragmatic stance: “I don’t believe we can surprise them, nor do I think they can surprise us. The goal is to progress from there.” He stressed that taking initiative could be beneficial but cautioned that success often hinges on capitalizing on opportunities rather than sheer possession.
Mendilibar dismissed notions of this match being a matter of life or death in football terms. “It’s important but not existential. Losing would complicate our chances for the season, but we must focus on our game plan,” he remarked. He reiterated that against top-tier teams like Madrid, any mistakes could be costly.
Analyzing Real Madrid’s Challenges
The coach commented on the pressure surrounding Real Madrid, noting that when big clubs face setbacks, problems tend to emerge. “Even if they’re at the top of the league, any dip in form creates speculation,” he explained. However, he expressed confidence in Xabi Alonso’s capabilities as a manager: “He’s well-respected at the club and will continue to give his all.” Mendilibar acknowledged Alonso’s talent and experience as pivotal for Madrid’s future.
Tackling Key Players
Addressing the challenge of containing Kylian Mbappé, who has struggled recently with goal-scoring form, Mendilibar quipped, “If he hasn’t scored in three matches, maybe it’s best if he keeps going like that.” His light-hearted comment reflects a strategic mindset focused on exploiting opponents’ weaknesses.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
Mendilibar’s record against Real Madrid has not been favorable—”I’ve won twice but lost many more times,” he admitted candidly. He recognizes that when Madrid plays well, they are nearly unbeatable due to their world-class talent. “We need to disrupt their rhythm and avoid errors,” he advised.
As for advice to Xabi Alonso? “None,” he stated firmly. The pressures faced by both clubs are similar; both need to win consistently to maintain morale and standings. “We understand this pressure well,” he noted. The early season context means there’s still plenty of football left to play.
In conclusion, Mendilibar sees facing Real Madrid as an opportunity for growth. “While it’s tough to match them,” he said, “we aim to close the gap by playing against them.” As Olympiakos prepares for this high-stakes match-up, all eyes will be on whether they can rise to the occasion and challenge one of Europe’s elite.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment