Olympiakos manager José Mendilibar spoke to the press ahead of his team’s crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid. The matchup has sparked discussions about potential opportunities for Olympiakos, especially given the absences within the Madrid squad. When asked how he plans to motivate his players, Mendilibar emphasized the complexity of the challenge ahead. “What we say is one thing, but our internal thoughts are quite different. Regardless of which team Real Madrid fields, they are all exceptionally skilled. They won’t hand us any advantages; it’s up to us to seize the opportunity.”
Addressing his squad’s current form, Mendilibar expressed confidence but acknowledged the formidable nature of their opponents. “We are performing well, but against a team like Real Madrid, even when they don’t play at their best, they can still pose a significant threat,” he noted. The coach highlighted the need for intense focus and discipline, drawing comparisons to their recent match against PSV Eindhoven. “We must execute our game plan without falling into traps that could surprise us,” he added.
Strategic Approach Against Madrid
Mendilibar was also questioned about the importance of an early offensive push to catch Real Madrid off guard. He responded pragmatically, stating, “I don’t believe we will surprise them, nor do I think they will surprise us. What’s crucial is that we perform better than them.” He elaborated that while attacking first could be beneficial, success ultimately hinges on capitalizing on created chances rather than merely focusing on who attacks more.
The Stakes Are High
When asked if this match holds life-or-death significance, Mendilibar was quick to clarify. “In football, there are no life-or-death scenarios,” he said firmly. “However, this match is important; losing would make it very difficult for us to finish among the top 24 teams in the group.” He reiterated the importance of minimizing mistakes against such a high-caliber opponent, stressing that if they were to lose, it should be because Real Madrid outperformed them rather than due to their own errors.
As Olympiakos prepares for this pivotal encounter, all eyes will be on how they navigate this challenging fixture against one of Europe’s elite clubs. Will they rise to the occasion or fall short against a resilient Real Madrid side? Only time will tell.
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