Thanasis Androutsos highlighted the great significance of OFI’s participation in this match—the team’s fourth final in the last two years—during the Superbet Super Cup press conference.
The Cretan team’s captain pointed out that those matches are now in the past, and that they are fully focused on tomorrow’s match, making it clear that both teams are starting from scratch right now with equal chances.
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“What we did was something truly great and historic. But that’s in the past, and we’re looking ahead to tomorrow’s match,” he said initially, adding that the presence of the team’s fans is important and emphasizing that, both in the Cup and for tomorrow’s match, they didn’t have to go to great lengths to see their team up close.
“Whichever team is better prepared should win. But both teams are starting from scratch tomorrow. It’s hugely significant that we’ve reached four finals in the last two years. It gives us motivation and a sense of responsibility—motivation for the match. We’re looking ahead only to tomorrow’s game,” he said.
In detail,
on winning the Cup and the Super Cup: “What we’ve done is certainly historic. But the Cup is in the past. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game. Winning the Cup secured our spot in Europe, but our focus is on tomorrow’s game.”
On the fact that the final will be held in Heraklion: “It’s a significant event. We were in the final last year too; we didn’t succeed, and now we have another chance. The fans traveled to both Cup finals and made a huge effort. This year they’ll be here with us at the stadium to support us.”
On the presence of fans from both teams: “It’s definitely nice to have fans from both teams here. It’s about time this could happen without any problems or incidents. It makes us happy, and it’s nice to see.”
On what will decide the final: “I think, since it’s the first game of the season, it will come down to how well both teams prepared. We’re starting from scratch, and may the best team win.”
On the fact that this is OFI’s fourth final in two years: “It’s a big deal; it gives us weight and motivation. We’re looking ahead; we’re not looking back at previous matches. We’re focused on tomorrow’s game.”
*photo source: KYPE
