ernesto valverde said his olympiacos cf players were "very motivated to get their season started" against an olympique de marseille side hoping to overcome their own false start.
olympiacos fc coach ernesto valverde says his team are short on match practice but long on motivation as they play their first competitive game of the season against group f rivals olympique de marseille. as for marseille, boss didier deschamps hopes they can put their domestic woes behind them and start their campaign afresh in the uefa champions league.
olympiacos coach ernesto valverde: "we lack match sharpness because our pre-season has lasted more than two months, we've had some late arrivals and some recent injury problems, but i'm not losing sleep. we're looking forward to tomorrow, all the players are very motivated to get their season started. marseille might be feeling pressure as they have not been doing very well in their league, although that could be a disadvantage for us as it could motivate them to do well in a different competition. we are in a tough group where every team has a fair chance of progress. the home matches are important and we will try to take advantage of this special factor. it's my debut in the uefa champions league and i am as motivated as my players."
marseille coach didier deschamps: "there is disappointment about our league form but the biggest competition begins now and we need to change our mindset and start afresh. my players are very determined and have self-belief and we will continue our efforts, hoping to turn things around. the fact olympiacos haven't played yet is not ideal, as we only have information from their friendly matches, but they are an attacking side with quality players in midfield and attack. i've visited greece as a coach on two previous occasions and have experienced the white-hot atmosphere of greek stadiums – i hope to prepare my players for it. our main aim is to make as few mistakes as possible – that's very important in the uefa champions league, not to give your opponent chances."
