Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis said the club and its supporters have long awaited the visit of NEC Nijmegen, as the Greek side prepares to host the Dutch team in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round on the evening of Tuesday, August 4.
Mouzakitis spoke on behalf of the Olympiacos squad at the pre-match press conference. He said both the fans and the players had been waiting a long time for the fixture, adding that the team was glad to welcome supporters back and wanted to give them, and themselves, something to enjoy.
First Experience of Summer Qualifiers
The Greek international midfielder said this was his first season taking part in summer qualifying rounds. He said there was no real difference from the previous year, other than starting earlier, and that the approach and planning remained the same. He said the priority was simply to host NEC and win.
Champions League Motivation
Asked about the motivation the Champions League provides, a competition in which he has produced strong performances, Mouzakitis said every match is treated the same, but that playing in the Champions League is itself motivating. He said he hoped the team would produce its best performances this season, both in the league and in Europe.
Dutch Friendlies in Preparation
Mouzakitis noted that Olympiacos had played friendly matches against Dutch clubs during preseason, including one against NEC Nijmegen the previous year. He said it was important that the tie begins at home in front of their own fans, and that the team hoped to give them a reason to celebrate.
Familiar Faces at NEC
Asked which NEC players he knew, Mouzakitis named Dusan Tadic and Sontje Hansen, referred to as Mor. He said that because of his young age, he had watched Tadic play for previous clubs, and that it would be a pleasure to now play against him.
Olympiacos are aiming to take the first step towards the Champions League play-off round with a positive result in the first leg against NEC Nijmegen.
