Krasnodar is ready to make a miracle ": Matveev and Suleymanov expect to defeat Olympiacos in the Champions League qualification

“We have to open their defense”

In the second leg of the playoffs of the qualifying round of the Champions League, Krasnodar faces an extremely difficult task. After a devastating defeat in Piraeus, a week earlier, wards of Murad Musaev will have to try at home to do the impossible in order to break into the group stage - to score at least four goals and not to miss.

Despite the severity of their situation, the Russians are quite optimistic. According to coach Sergei Matveev, the team realizes that too much is at stake and the players will do everything in their power to achieve a positive result and to please the fans who will come to the stadium on Tuesday.

“There are many examples in history when a team recouped from an even larger account. It is clear that the situation is not simple and it will be extremely difficult for us. But we will make every effort to start this match well. And then the game will show. Anything can happen, ”the coach said at a pre-match press conference.

In addition, Matveev thanked the fans who continue to support the team, despite the current situation. He emphasized that Krasnodar was counting on their help again.

“For us, the most important thing is in the eyes of the fans to look like a team that cares and that will fight for every ball. Of course, we need luck fortified by the fans and their desire to drive us forward. It is very important that the audience come to support us. Once again, I want to thank them for the full stands. This has already helped us pull out the game and show everyone that we have a core, ”said the specialist.

As in the first meeting, “Krasnodar” will not be able to help several key players at once. The midfielder Remy Cabella, who had been out of action for a long time, also joined them. Defender Alexander Martynovich is still recovering from injury. At the same time, there is a possibility that striker Ari will join the team.

“In the evening, the last consultation with the doctors will take place, and then it will become clear whether the Brazilian will enter the field tomorrow. Martynovich will definitely not be. We will count on him in a match with Ural or even Wings of the Soviets after a break for the national team’s games. We really hope for a quick recovery and help from these players, ”said Matveev.

At the same time, the specialist refused to comment on Olympiacos tactics for the return match.

“She will be clear from the first minutes. Most likely, the Greeks will play the second number, and we have to open their defense. In addition, do not forget about counterattacks. We will try to take these points into account and prevent dangerous episodes. Everything can turn over. Believe me, we, both football players and the coaching staff, are ready to perform a miracle, ”said the coach.

In addition, Matveev said that Krasnodar was unsatisfied with the refereeing in the first match. In particular, a large number of questions were caused by an episode with a hand game of Olympiacos midfielder Guillerme, after which a penalty was not awarded.

“We sent a request about this point. The opponent’s hand was clearly in an unnatural position. However, the club has not received any clarification. Perhaps there have been some changes in the rules that we are not aware of. This is important, because after an 11-meter game, and the whole confrontation could have turned out differently. Of course, we do not relieve ourselves of responsibility for such a major defeat and do not deny our mistakes, ”concluded Matveyev.

“We will go forward until the final whistle sounds”

After Matveev, midfielder Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov answered the questions of journalists. Like the mentor, he admitted that he believes in the success of Krasnodar.

“I will say this: nothing is impossible. There were many cases when teams made comebacks. After the match, we must leave the field with the feeling that we did everything that depended on us. An outrageous attitude is needed. We will go forward until the final whistle sounds, ”said the player.

Suleymanov said that he had recovered from a knee injury and was fully ready to help his team.

“Whether I play or not, the coaching staff will decide. But regardless of this, I am ready to give all my best at maximum. In each match, I expect goals from myself, so this “Shapi time" does not press me. This has already become a kind of label. Probably because I go out and always give all the power to the game, ”the midfielder explained.

In addition, he added that Krasnodar should not be afraid of the upcoming match, since any team can make mistakes.

“Of course, the opponent has weaknesses, like every team. There is nothing beyond. In the first match, we made a mistake by starting to recoup right after the first goal scored, although we still had the second match in reserve. I think that today at a theoretical lesson, the coaching staff will tell you what to do, ”Suleymanov concluded.

The match Krasnodar - Olympiakos will begin on August 27 at 22:00 Moscow time. The meeting will be served by the Slovenian referee team led by Damir Skomina.