Martins full of anticipation for maiden derby, Lucescu focused
GREEK SUPER LEAGUE
Ahead of his maiden derby as Olympiacos boss, Pedro Martins is confident in his players’ abilities, while PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu feels the visitors can claim all three points in Piraeus.
For the first time this season, Olympiacos and PAOK go to battle in the Super League, with both teams in fantastic form. Since hiring Pedro Martins as coach towards the tail end of the previous campaign, Olympiacos have suddenly regained their spark, performing well to top the domestic championship and qualify for the UEFA Europa League group phase. PAOK, who started the season with a -2 points deficit, have won all of their games in the league and make the trip to the Karaiskakis Stadium on the back of a headline 2:0 triumph over AEK Athens.
Pedro Martins is respectful of PAOK but believes that his players have the quality to win at home:
First derby as Olympiacos head coach: “I’m really looking forward to it. I know what derbies mean. Yes, I haven’t experienced a game like this in Greece yet, but I had similar matches in Portugal. It’s great that we’re playing at home and I am completely focused on claiming the three points.”
Motivation of moving five points clear in the Super League standings: “This is a very important match because we’re playing against a direct competitor for the title. Footballers crave for these games. Both teams have huge motivation to win and we have to be in control of our emotions. The stadium will be full and that increases out desire to emerge victorious.”
How PAOK have changed in comparison to last season: “One of PAOK’s biggest advantages is that they’ve kept the same coach and the core of their squad. Their players know each other extremely well, while on the other hand, we have a new group of guys. This has been a problem for us and it’s something which needs to improve. Nevertheless, I have full confidence in my players’ capabilities.”
Whether Yaya Toure will be in the squad: “I will choose the best players on the basis of fitness and tactics. Yaya has been working hard since he joined the team and we’re pleased to have him here.”
Possibility of the Super League being decided in this match: “The championship will be decided on the smallest details. I don’t know if it will be decided in this game, but either Olympiacos, PAOK , AEK or Panathinaikos will win the Super League. Panathinaikos had a six-point penalty, but they’re already in the mix. All matches are important.”
Role of the supporters at the Karaiskakis Stadium: “The fans will be on our side, just like they always are. I hope they enjoy the match and be patient at the same time. We promise that we will do everything in order to win.”
Razvan Lucescu acknowledged that Olympiacos have a talented team and wasn’t moaning about the heavy fixture pile-up:
Sequence of difficult matches: “During the week, we had a Greek Cup match against Aris in which we didn’t have pressure. In the match, we gave some other players a chance to display their talents, and it was a game against a strong opponent.”
On constantly leaving Chuba Akpom out of the PAOK team: “I have already explained this decision. Chuba has great potential. However, he previously played with teams which play a different style of football, but Nikos Karelis came here and he already understands the philosophy of the Greek game. We have many excellent players like Aleksandar Prijovic, Chuba Akpom and Nikos Karelis, but I can only put 11 on the field. It’s not easy to sign for a club in the summer and suddenly taste success.”
Several important games in a short space of time: “As a coach, I must manage the team according to the fixture list. We played against AEK two days after the Chelsea match in the UEFA Europa League, and even if the game with Aris wasn’t overly important, we still wanted to keep our pride intact. We started the Super League with a -2 points deficit so that makes this duel against Olympiacos even more crucial. At this moment in time, it’s the most important match of the championship.”
Thoughts on the potential of Olympiacos: “They have a really good team, especially in the midfield and attacking area. Olympiacos boast real quality and this will be a tough test for us. We’re travelling to Piraeus to pick up the win. Olympiacos worked hard in the summer and their full-backs support the attack well. That’s all I want to say.”
Injury problems: “I can’t say anything more about Amr Warda. We will see how Omar El Kaddouri feels.”
