Priftis: “There are no surprises at Olympiakos”

Panathinaikos OPAP will be tested away against Olympiakos on Thursday night, March 17th (Novasports Prime, Match Center at Sportish) after going through a very difficult period in the last month. The constant absences, the injuries and the coronavirus have not allowed Dimitris Priftis to “manage” his team the way he would like, which was mentioned during the derby at SEF.

Details of Dimitris Priftis’ statements:

“Obviously there is very good knowledge of the two opponents. We know Olympiakos quite well, as do they. The advantages and disadvantages of each team were identified after three games between us. Of course there is a database of us coaches and athletes“.

Whether there is an element of surprise in these games: “The element of surprise is not strong. What can you do with the conditions of both teams? Us with the absences and Olympiakos with the limited number of training sessions he has to prepare for. So it’s difficult“.

When asked if whoever wants it the most wins, he remarked: “We both want it very much. Furthermore, the skill, the chemistry, the rhythm, the situation the players are in and the distance to play a role. The “I want” element is equally strong on both teams“.

Regarding the advantage that the headquarters offers, he emphasized: “The head office always plays a role, but can also be double-edged. On the one hand it creates stress for the host, on the other hand the atmosphere helps. I would say that plays a small role anyway“.

On the course of preparation of Panathinaikos OPAP, he pointed out: “The preparation has to do with the days we have but also with the availability of the players we have on the field. Of course we’re not happy with the second leg. Now let’s start collecting. I hope to do a regular workout today. Of course it’s not enough, but considering we went down with almost nine players in the previous game, it’s a step forward that we’ll play as a regular team tomorrow“.

Finally, on the good atmosphere that prevailed in the cup final and whether this can be a good start for future games between the two teams: “It’s definitely a good start and I hope it continues. It is important that all factors in these games converge in this direction. Both the teams and the organizing authorities and the referees“.

White: “If you play at home, you have more stress”

For his part, Okaro White said: “We are ready to play against a very good team in a difficult environment. At the end of the day, it’s difficult for us to play without the stress that motivates you to score goals. We would very much like to claim our place in the playoffs. But it’s a big derby and we have the motivation to win. It’s one of the most famous derbies in the world. We will go there to fight hard“.

Regarding the previous games between the two teams and the importance of the home game, he emphasized: “In my experience, when you play at home, you have more stress, which has influenced the two teams in the games between us for the championship and the EuroLeague. We had three very good ten minutes in the cup final, but we didn’t manage that in the last few“.