Olympiacos head coach José Luis Mendilibar declared that his team must not keep their heads down following a 2-1 extra-time loss to Nijmegen that eliminated them from the Champions League. The Basque manager stressed that the squad must regroup immediately as a demanding season and the domestic championship are beginning.
Reflecting on the match, Mendilibar said it was a difficult game in which Olympiacos struggled to find their rhythm during the first half. He noted that his side opened the scoring in the second half and believed they could maintain their advantage before conceding an equalizer during a play that raised offside doubts.
Match Struggles and Red Card
Mendilibar explained that a subsequent ejection left Olympiacos playing with ten men, making it difficult for the team to create attacks. Forced onto the defensive, Olympiacos were unable to withstand the pressure through the remainder of the contest.
Despite the setback, Mendilibar emphasized that the team will not panic over the elimination. He noted that while Olympiacos missed the chance to advance in the Champions League, the club had already secured a place in the Europa League League Phase. He said the team will focus on the domestic league, await the Europa League draw, and proceed with their current roster.
Preseason and Transfer Window Impact
Mendilibar also pointed to broader structural difficulties in modern football, stating that five-week preseason preparations offer limited benefit when many players are departing or arriving. With the transfer window remaining open until September 11, he noted that Olympiacos will play four to five official matches without knowing their final squad line-up.
The manager added that this uncertainty hinders team planning across the sport, but said Olympiacos must evaluate their squad options as the deadline approaches. Mendilibar said he told his players that after fighting hard with a player down, they must maintain their morale and prepare for the quick return to league play.
Following the defeat of Olympiacos, AEK remain the only Greek club competing in the Champions League playoffs.
