Mentilíbar: We Came with Hope and Expectations
Olympiacos travels to Leverkusen for a crucial Champions League match, aiming to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Bayer.
Olympiacos is set to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League round of 16 after a challenging first leg, in which they lost 2-0 at home. The team, coached by José Luis Mentilíbar, is traveling with hope and determination, despite Leverkusen being the favorites to advance. Mentilíbar emphasized the importance of playing with courage and maintaining possession of the ball, as they aim to produce a remarkable comeback in front of their opponents.
In a press conference, Mentilíbar expressed that Olympiacos approaches the second leg without the pressure of needing to win, which allows them to focus on their game strategy. He believes that having the ball more often will be key to their performance, as trailing in games often puts teams on the back foot. The coach hopes to guide his players to make significant tactical adjustments that could tip the match in their favor, seeking not just an improvement from their previous matches but a turnaround that could keep their Champions League hopes alive.
The match against Bayer promises to be an exciting encounter, as both teams will be looking to establish dominance early on. With Olympiacos needing to score at least two goals to force extra time, the stakes are high, and the players are expected to rise to the occasion, making it a critical night not only for club pride but for the future progression in the prestigious tournament.