Why did Imanol Alguacil rule out excuses after the defeat?
Imanol Alguacil addressed the media after Olympiacos lost 1-0 to OFI. He stated clearly that the result left no room for justifications. The Basque coach noted that the opening phase of the match was not poor, yet the team encountered problems that proved decisive. He expressed full understanding of fan frustration when the side fails to win at home. Alguacil repeated that excuses would not be appropriate for the manager of a club of Olympiacos stature. He said the short time he has been in charge does not change the reality that the roster contains quality players capable of better performances. He added that he feels the same pain as the supporters and that using any justification would not be dignified for the coach of such a big club. The coach stressed that he will continue working until the end of the season to improve matters so that Olympiacos fans can be proud of the team.
Alguacil made clear that the club has a great squad and great players. He underlined that he does not want to hide behind the limited time available since his arrival. Every minute that passes allows him to know the players and the team better, yet he knows the demands of the club and what needs to be done. He accepts that time will be judged by results and that victories will bring more calm to the group. The coach knows in which stadium they play and the truth is that time will be given by wins. When the wins come the group will be calmer. He is the same wounded as the fans and does not want to use any excuse because it would not be dignified for anyone who is coach of Olympiacos, such a big club.
How does the coach view the supporters’ reaction?
The manager acknowledged that fans dislike draws or narrow wins. He described himself as equally hurt by the outcome and said he shares the same disappointment felt by the supporters. Alguacil emphasised that he would not hide behind any explanation and that the responsibility for improvement rests with him. He added that the team must do more than simply secure victories. Playing well is also required, and the current level has not yet matched the expectations attached to the club’s history and home ground. He knows what it means to play at this stadium wearing this shirt and feels wounded by the performance.
Alguacil said he is as angry as every Olympiacos fan. He repeated that he will not stop working so that everyone can be proud of the team. The coach understands the reaction of the crowd when the team cannot win at home and stressed that no excuse is acceptable in such a situation. He sees and understands perfectly what the fans feel when they see the team at home unable to win. To the fans neither a draw nor a narrow win is liked. He is equally wounded like the fans and does not want to use any excuse.
What changes does Imanol Alguacil plan during the international break?
Alguacil said the coming pause will see between 12 and 15 players depart. He noted that the club’s international contingent reflects its status, yet the immediate task is to extract the best from the players already available. He stressed that every additional minute on the training ground improves his knowledge of the squad. The coach outlined that the style he wants involves pressing and winning the ball high. He observed this approach in the opening 30 minutes and wants it sustained. Time is limited, he said, and results will determine how much calm the group can enjoy.
He explained that there is very little time and that the team must work hard because the demands are known. During the break the squad will lose many players yet Olympiacos remains a big club with many internationals. The coach said he will use the period to make the necessary adjustments and that he already has in mind the changes required. He knows the club’s requirements and will continue the process without searching for justifications. Every minute that passes he knows the players and the team better and has in mind the changes that must be made.
Which aspects of the performance did the coach highlight positively?
Alguacil pointed to the behaviour of the players and staff as a clear positive. He described their attitude as maximum and said this element gives a foundation for future work. He accepted personal responsibility for guiding the team toward a point where everyone connected with the club can feel pride. On possible further signings, the coach indicated that the priority remains maximising the current group while the transfer window remains open. Caution is necessary, he said, and the focus stays on developing what is already in place.
The coach noted that some things went badly but there were also good things. He wants to stand by the positive behaviour shown by the players and the staff. He has the responsibility to ensure that at the end of the season everyone can be proud of the team. The immediate priority is to get the best out of the players who are already there. In all countries of the world when the market is open and there are possibilities one must be careful. At this moment the priority is to get the best from the players we have.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Olympiacos versus OFI?
Olympiacos lost 1-0 at home to OFI in the fourth round of the Super League .
Did Imanol Alguacil offer any excuses for the result?
No. He repeatedly stated that excuses were neither appropriate nor acceptable for the manager of Olympiacos.
How long has Imanol Alguacil been in charge?
The coach described his time at the club as still very short.
Will Olympiacos make more signings?
Alguacil said the immediate priority is to get the best out of the existing squad rather than additional recruitment.
What style of play does the coach want to see?
He wants the team to press and win the ball in advanced areas, as shown in the first half-hour of the match.
