The Spaniard José Luis Mendilibar, coach of Olympiacos, assured that the semi-final tie of the Conference League against Aston Villa, despite having a difference of two goals in favor of the first leg (2-4), “is not closed ” and he was ironic about Sevilla’s dismissal in October because “otherwise I wouldn’t be here” one step away from a European final.
Olympiacos are seeking the first European final in their history against Aston Villa, from another Spaniard, Unai Emerywho will be hoping to return to Athens to reach the final after a difficult first-leg setback.
Emery, a known rival
“Twenty years ago we played as rivals for the first time. I changed less than him. We played many times and the games were balanced. I don’t think the differences are that big. Now the thing is Emery thinks he can leave us and that is a weapon in their favor,” said Mendilibar in a press conference.
“We know Aston Villa will play hard to qualify, as we want to do, and we both have a chance,” Mendilibar said. The Basque coach, who has had a long professional career, said he knows how to “manage pressure situations” of this kind.
“I thank Sevilla for sacking me because otherwise it wouldn’t have happened. If I hadn’t left I wouldn’t be here and it wouldn’t have happened if our players weren’t fit,” he confessed.
“The message we send to the fans is that we will give everything to give them joy. We know very well what this moment means for our fans. We have a very good team. The players are starting to believe themselves and when they do things can be better,” concluded Mendilibar.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
