Passion, willpower, and focus are what he and his teammates at Olympiacos will need for today’s big game against Panathinaikos as the league resumes, Manolis Saliakas emphasized in statements .
Here’s what he said in detail:
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
A hard-fought point for 10-man Roma in Como
The return to competitive action with Olympiacos brings the derby against Panathinaikos. What does this game mean for the team?
““For both the team and us players, this game means a lot. It can provide a psychological boost for what’s to come, not only for us but also for our fans.”
What do you think will be the “key” for Olympiacos to win the derby? What does the team need to do to secure the three points?
«The team needs to have passion, determination, and stay focused from the first minute to the last. In my opinion, these are the ‘keys’ to coming out on top.”
How different is it to play in a derby when you’re wearing the Olympiacos jersey and have all those fans behind you?
«It really is different—and also amazing—to wear the Olympiacos jersey and play in front of these fans. It fills us with a sense of responsibility, but at the same time, we’re proud to be playing in these games.”
When you were a kid in the Academy, did you ever imagine that one day you’d wear the first team’s jersey and play in an Olympiacos–Panathinaikos derby?
“I think most kids at the Olympiacos Academy dream of one day wearing the first-team jersey. Let alone play in a derby like that at Karaiskakis Stadium. And I’m no exception. It’s fantastic to be living this experience with the team I love.”
In the Nations League matches with the national team, many of you who make up the national squad came up through the Olympiacos academy. In fact, Marca, one of Europe’s leading media outlets, also mentioned this fact. How do you feel about this, and what does it say about the work that’s been done over the years at the “red-and-white” academy?
“This shows just how well-structured Olympiacos’ academies are. Everything is so professional, and they provide everything necessary for progress and development. Young players become better soccer players thanks to the support they receive every day, but they also become better people. The biggest secret is that at Renti, you feel like you’re part of a family.”
THE OTHER SIDE OF
HIM Your favorite habit:
Coffee
Your favorite food:
Pasta with ground beef
The song you’ve listened to the most in your life:
“I Want to Go Back to the Old Days”
Favorite TV series:
*La Casa de Papel*
Favorite travel destination:
Rome
What motivates you:
My child
The first thing you do when you wake up:
I brush my teeth
The last thing you do before going to sleep:
I say my prayers
You never leave home without:
My cell phone
Your lucky charm:
I don’t have one
*Photo source: KYPE
