In view of the match Olympiacos – Rangers at “G. Karaiskakis” (06/11, 19:45), for the 4th matchday of the League Stage of the UEFA Europa League, the coach of the “red and white” Jose Luis Mendiliber and the goalkeeper spoke Constantis Tzolakis.
According to the teams’ potential, is this game the most difficult compared to the games that Olympiacos have played so far?
It’s true that all games are difficult, they always have special difficulties, it’s the details of the games and it just depends on the opponent. We have an important match ahead of us, we want the win to confirm our quality to a certain extent, but the opponent also needs the win because for both teams this game will be important for the future.
What is your take on Rangers and what should your team be looking out for?
We have analyzed the opponent and seen them in several league and European matches. He is in a good position, but playing in Europe is different than in the league, the same applies to us. I believe we have a lot in common, we have similar results and we are in the same situation. So we know it will be a fair game, as we are both fighting for qualification to the next stage.
What must Olympiacos do to win?
To win we have to score more goals than the opponent…
Do you have a different approach to the game against Malmo because it is at home and also what do you expect Rangers to do differently against Malmo as well?
Our game concept does not change depending on the opponent we are facing, we always try to play the same way. Of course, the opponents are different, it will depend of course on the way Rangers play, because they are playing in a vertical way and this will make it difficult for us to get into their area. What we want to do is go up and play high, as we do in every game we have had so far.
You won the UEFA Europa League and last year the UEFA Conference League, what is your motivation from now on?
The motivation is in the games every week and from game after game we always try individually. This event has something special for me this year because the final is taking place in my own country. What we need first is to go to the next stage and as we will do last year is to think about each game separately, move forward and try to be the best.
How do you feel that you gave Mouzakitis a place in a country where young footballers don’t usually compete, he played for Olympiakos and now he was called up to the national team.
It is our little man, really. I, as a coach, do not give anything to any football player, the player deserves what he deserves and he has done it himself. It is here because it has shown us that it can and does work all the time. If he’s somewhere now and he’s at a good level it’s because he does what he needs to do very well.
Is there a player from Rangers who you think is particularly threatening?
Rangers is more of a team and not a unit, it doesn’t rely on any particular footballers. All in all they are a threatening team, if we can say that there is such a player you say it is Cerny, who is very special. Also, their wings rise high and create threats for the other team. I think Rangers have a good image and are an aggressive team.
Tzolakis: “We have changed our status in Europe”
Last year you were at a press conference with Fiorentina in the final of the UEFA Europa Conference Series, how much has changed from then to now, in your opinion, at Olympiacos?
After the Fiorentina game whenever we won the cup, I think the status of the team has changed and now there is a need in Europe. For this year’s event, we have to go to the next stage and we should collect as many points as we can because we don’t know how many points a team needs to qualify after the new event. We need to win and get nine points to be able to get one step closer to qualifying.
How much do you mature through such games?
It is a game that improves me without a doubt, but the whole team as well and certainly when we are talking about a European game. But maturity on the field has nothing to do with age, if a coach asks the player to do it on the field, it has nothing to do with whether the player is 16 or 36 years old.
What must Olympiacos do to win?
We have to be like we did in the previous two games in Europe, against Braga and Malmo and I think we will get the three points from the win.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Expert on the Upcoming Olympiacos vs. Rangers Match
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving deep into the highly anticipated match between Olympiacos and Rangers, set to take place at the “G. Karaiskakis” stadium. Joining me is our football expert, [Expert’s Name], to unpack the intricacies of this showdown. Thanks for being here!
Expert: Thanks for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss such crucial matches in European football.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Would you say this match against Rangers is the toughest one Olympiacos has faced in the Europa League so far?
Expert: I would agree that this match holds significant weight. While every match has its own unique challenges, the stakes are particularly high in this one. Both teams are vying for a crucial win, which makes it more intense. Olympiacos is keen to confirm their caliber, while Rangers also desperately need the points to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. Given Olympiacos’ preparation, what specific threats do you see from Rangers that they’ll have to counteract?
Expert: Rangers play a very direct, vertical style of football, which can be quite challenging for any opposing team. They’ve shown solid form in both their domestic league and Europe. It’s essential for Olympiacos to not only focus on their gameplay but also to be aware of how quickly Rangers can transition from defense to attack. This can put a lot of pressure on Olympiacos’ defense.
Editor: In terms of strategy, what does Olympiacos need to do to secure a win against such a formidable opponent?
Expert: As blunt as it sounds, the key for Olympiacos is to score more goals than Rangers. They need to capitalize on any chances they get and maintain a strong offensive presence while also being organized defensively. High pressing and maintaining possession will be crucial.
Editor: You mentioned that Olympiacos’ style of play doesn’t change much based on the opponent. How does that reflect their philosophy moving into this match?
Expert: It reflects a commitment to their game identity. Olympiacos aims to control the match tempo and play their own style regardless of the opponent. By pushing high up the pitch and applying pressure, they’ll force Rangers to adapt rather than just reacting defensively.
Editor: Interesting! On a more motivational note, what drives Olympiacos this season, particularly considering last year’s successes in European competitions?
Expert: The motivation to advance to the next stage is immense, especially with the added incentive of the final occurring in the coach’s home country. Each game becomes a stepping stone towards that larger goal. They’ll need to focus on one match at a time, treating every encounter as a make-or-break situation.
Editor: Now, looking at the youth development aspect, the coach mentioned a young player, Mouzakitis, who has recently moved up to the national team. How crucial is it for Olympiacos to nurture young talent in this competitive arena?
Expert: It’s vital. The development of young players like Mouzakitis showcases the club’s commitment to cultivating fresh talent. His rise to the national team underscores the importance of providing opportunities for young players to prove themselves. The more Olympiacos invests in their youth, the stronger their future will be.
Editor: if there’s one key player on the Rangers who could swing the match, who would that be?
Expert: Rangers function remarkably well as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual stars. However, if I had to pick, I’d emphasize their playmaker who often orchestrates their attacks. If the Olympiacos midfield can neutralize that influence, it could significantly tilt the match in their favor.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, [Expert’s Name]! It certainly sounds like fans are in for an exhilarating match. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Expert: Thank you! I’m looking forward to the encounter and can’t wait to see how it unfolds.