Omonia will face its most challenging European match to date on Thursday (Oct. 22, 10:00 p.m.) at the GSP Stadium against Benfica for Matchday 3 of the Europa League group stage.
Ahead of the match, the “clover’s” coach, Henning Berg addressed the media at a press conference and delivered his own message ahead of a match he described as being on a “Champions League level.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Panagiotis Andreou spoke on behalf of the players, describing the atmosphere in the locker room and emphasizing that he had dreamed of wearing the team’s captain’s armband since he was a child.
His comments:
Henning Berg
Comment on the match: “We’ll be facing a Champions League-caliber team, one of the top two or three teams in Portugal historically. Last year, they even managed to beat Real Madrid. They have many quality players. In their last game, they made eight substitutions and still managed to win. We don’t know who he’ll pick tomorrow, but whoever plays, the quality will be very high. It’s a big challenge, a test, and an important experience for us.”
On how Omonia can keep a clean sheet again: “Every game is different. We’ll have to be very strong defensively. Benfica attacks quickly, is dangerous on the counterattack, but can also dominate by pinning the opponent back in their own half. They have individual quality, but also play very well as a team. Their players know each other well, and their coach, although new to the team, has a wealth of experience.”
On the demanding schedule: “It’s a great opportunity to see the intensity, pace, and quality of top-level European soccer. We need to learn how to manage two games a week, even against very strong opponents. We played on Monday, while Benfica didn’t have a game over the weekend and will be better rested. If we want to keep improving and become a top-level team, we have to learn to adapt to these circumstances.”
On Koulibaly’s injury: “It’s a minor injury. We’ll monitor his condition and see when he’ll be able to return. Maybe in ten days, maybe in twelve—I don’t know; we’ll see. In any case, he won’t be available next week.”
Panagiotis Andreou
On the match against Benfica: “We’re well prepared for tomorrow’s game and we want to give it our all. It’s a match where we can test our strength against a tough opponent like Benfica. We want to achieve the best possible result and earn the three points so we can continue our journey in Europe.”
On the team’s morale: “The team is doing well. We’re all there for one another, and that’s something we want to bring onto the field. We need to support one another, and all the players need to give 100% of our ability so that, in the end, we can achieve the best possible result.”
On his personal development and the support he receives from his Cypriot teammates: “First of all, I’m very happy with my progress as a player. I’m gradually finding my role on the team, which has supported me. It’s an important aspect of Omonia that it supports Cypriot players, and I believe this is something that must continue. As for me, I need to keep working hard to repay the trust of my coach, who has supported me, as well as that of my teammates.”
On what it means to wear the Omonia captain’s armband: “With confidence. Wearing the Omonia captain’s armband is something very few people have the opportunity to do. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, and I want to honor it with my actions on the field, showing that I’m worthy of this role and the responsibility that comes with it.”
