The players of “Krasnodar” arrived in Greece for the first leg of the round of play-offs for the Champions League meeting with Olympiakos. They have already visited the stadium and held a training session. According to head coach Sergey Matveeva, the match will not take part Ari and Alexander Martynovich. Midfielder Tonny Vilhena southerners said that the pressure from the stands won’t be a problem for guests, and the coach of the Greek team, Pedro Martins noted that the opponent may at any time to surprise.

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  • © FC “Krasnodar”

August 21 will be the first match in round of the playoffs of the Champions League, which will meet the Russian “Krasnodar” and the Greek Olympiakos. The meeting will be held at 33-thousand stadium “Karaiskaki”. According to the press service of the team from Piraeus, the game is planned to be sold out since the day before the starting whistle at the box office only a few thousand tickets.

Players “Krasnodar” have already arrived in Greece. “Bulls” managed to visit at the stadium and held a preparatory session. However, it was not attended by several key players. As said the coach of southerners Sergei Matveev, in series with Olympiacos team-mates will not help striker Ari and defender Alexander Martynovich, who was injured in the match of the sixth round of the Russian Premier League (RPL) with the “Tambov.”

“We came Remy Cabella. The probability that he will enter the field, not completely, but it is. As for Marcus Berg, we are satisfied with him. In every match he had chances. Yes, so far failed to implement them, but we hope that soon it will happen,” — said the coach at the pre-match press conference.

  • Press conference and training session before the CL match “Krasnodar” — “Olympiakos”

One of the main characters in the previous qualifying round of the Champions League was the forward Magomed Shapi Suleymanov, who made a double in gate “to Port”. Matveev noted that the player did not become a victim as a star after his success and is still in good shape.

“No heaven after Porto was not. It works in normal mode. Trying to benefit the team as possible”, — explained the expert.

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Matveev gave tribute to the players of “Olympiacos”, highlighting midfielder Mathieu Valbuena, as well as the successful operation of the collective protection.

“Of course, Valbuena is playing. Takes a large number of standards, which bring many benefits. The Greeks missed four matches in a row. This is a good indicator of action in defense. But we still try to score a goal will make all the efforts. Because a goal away is a powerful argument in the two-legged tie,” — said the expert.

However, he did not dare to make assumptions about which tactics will stick to the opponent in the match.

Olympiakos is interesting, strong team, but it’s hard for me to get into the head to another coach. Will try to be prepared for any tactic the opponent, the match will be difficult”, — said Matveev.

Before training with journalists and talked and midfielder “Krasnodar” Tonny Vilhena, which in the past Olympiacos has expressed interest in the transfer market. He expressed hope for a positive outcome of the meeting in Greece, and also noted the attitude of his team-mates.

“It’s important for us to win. In my opinion, we are in good shape, despite the tight schedule. Some of the players undergoing rehabilitation, but everyone else is fine. I know that Berg already has experience of scoring Olympiacos. I hope to score tomorrow. He has already talked about our future enemy, noted his strong defense,” shared expectations of the Dutchman.

Greek fans are the most emotional in Europe, which has played a crucial role. However, fans of the black and green should not be afraid. According to Wiley, “Krasnodar” fully prepared for the pressure from the stands.

“Actually, the question is in what form you are. If you are ready — so will win. Our players have enough experience of performances in big matches, and we will make every effort. Tomorrow should be a team, fight for each other,” added the midfielder.

About the special attitude of “Krasnodar” in his first ever match at this level and say the message “bulls” in social networks.

“Fly to Greece. Plan to bring not only a magnet,” he joked in a press-service of the southerners.

“Valbuena gets better”

 

Of course, in the camp of “Olympiacos” will also be set up exclusively on a positive outcome. While head coach Pedro Martins said that both teams have equal chances of getting into the group stage of the Champions League. According to him, a rival sprang a surprise, winning the final victory over Porto, in connection with which his team should not relax.

“Yes, “Krasnodar” not so long playing in the UEFA Cup, but in its structure there are players with such experience. It is a strong and experienced team, quick attack, which is able to possess the ball, so I wouldn’t single anyone out. She has already demonstrated superiority over different opponents. For our part, we must be attentive and focused” — said the Portuguese.

According to him, the Greeks are ready to respond to active efforts of the southerners to attack and will try to possess the ball.

“We must not allow the enemy to take the ball away. First, our advantage will be that we play at home. Secondly, the fans are always here for us is actively supported. Thirdly, the output of the group of the Champions League is prestigious and it matches the ambitions of the club. Players understand that on this depends not only the future of the team, but also their own,” explained the Portuguese.

He did not disclose their plans about Olympiacos, but stressed that the coaching staff makes a team before each match, depending on what form are the players.

“I do not agree that a winning team does not change. The preparation is influenced by many factors. Monitor the condition of the players. Well maintained winning team, but at practice, someone can be better prepared — he will play. On the other hand, tactical training depends on the opponent. Therefore, the probability of return is. As for Valbuena, then we in Portugal say that man only gets better. Mathieu corresponds to this proverb,” said Martins.

At the end of the press conference, the Portuguese coach expressed his support of the famous coach David Blatt. The coach of the basketball Olympiacos wrote an open letter to fans in which he admitted that he was sick with multiple sclerosis.

“I wish him a speedy recovery. Basketball in Greece is very popular, David the team needs,” said Martins.

In turn, expectations from the upcoming match is shared by the hosts ‘ defender Konstantinos Tsimikas. He admitted that red-and-white feel confident after the success in previous rounds of the Champions League, and also noted that a significant role will play the first match “Olympiakos” on the home arena.

“The important thing is that the core of the team remained as coach. He trusts the team. It’s a comfortable environment to work. At home you forget about everything. See the fans as they sing, chant. It fills a huge force. Feel no pain, do not think about anything except the result, which is concentrated”, — said the player.

In addition, he added that he is not afraid of a personal duel with Suleymanov.

“I’m playing well, only successfully operates the whole team. Yes, I had to confront the best players of the team “Victoria” and “Istanbul” but this is football. The necessary attention and concentration,” concluded Tsimikas.