Christos Kontis stated at the press conference ahead of the match that both he and the players are fully prepared to compete for the Superbet Super Cup tomorrow against AEK.
The OFI coach noted that motivation is very high and emphasized that everyone on the Cretan team will do whatever it takes to win tomorrow’s trophy.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He acknowledged the challenge his team faces in the match due to AEK’s strength, and in response to Nikolić’s kind words about him, he in turn praised his colleague.
“There’s nothing else on our minds—this is a trophy we want. We don’t play in finals every year, so whenever we do, we have to go all out,” he said, adding: “We’ll have to be effective and smart—it’s a very difficult match for both teams.”
“I’ve had a wonderful time here; I’m enjoying my time on the island, and I’ve felt the fans’ love. I want to give back through my work,” he said regarding his time at OFI.
Here are his comments in detail:
On OFI’s motivation: “The motivation is huge. The team is growing because it’s competing for titles. Tomorrow we have another chance to reach a final, to win a trophy. We have to give it our all. The first match of the year isn’t easy, but we’re OFI, we’re playing at home, we’re feeling good, and we’ll fight for the trophy.”
On the fact that both teams are at the start of the season: “AEK deservedly won the championship through hard work and dedication. We like a challenge. We’re playing against one of the best teams in the league, a team with a solid core and the same coach. The match will be very difficult. There will be fans from both teams; it will be a great atmosphere, and above all, we need to enjoy it.
It will come down to efficiency; we have to make the right decisions. Games like these are decided by how focused you are. We’ll do everything in our power to win the trophy. I can’t say we have an advantage. We’re playing against AEK, a team with a lot of final experience; we’re still growing. Winning the Cup last year gives us confidence. It doesn’t create pressure, but rather a hunger for something more—to fight for everything we can, game by game. Tomorrow is an important game; it’s a trophy match, and we’ll give it our all.”
On the youth player regulations: “It doesn’t concern us because we’ve strengthened our youth ranks in recent years. Crete has a lot of talent, and our team draws on it from the academy to bring players up to the first team. I had quite a few players last year as well.”
On the fact that this is the first official game of the season for both teams: “For us, all that matters is tomorrow’s game. It’s important; it’s a trophy; we have to give it our all. We’re not used to this—we won’t be playing in a final every year—so whenever we have the chance, we have to go all out.”
On AEK: “They have a great coach; they’re a worthy champion. We’ll have to be smart. It’s a match where both teams know their opponent well, and it’s going to be tough.”
On the love he receives at OFI: “I feel the love and I want to repay it on the field. As a coach, our job is to leave a positive mark and provide guidance. I’m happy to be here. We’ll do everything we can to achieve something special tomorrow as well.”
On how well the new signings have integrated and the possibility of further reinforcements: “Right now, we have the roster that will play tomorrow. I can’t think about anything beyond the present. We have to give it our all for the trophy.”
