Olympiacos owner Vangelis Marinakis expressed immense pride in his team despite their elimination from European competition following a tough rematch against Bodo\/Glimt at Karaiskakis Stadium.<\/h3>\n
Speaking after the match, Marinakis praised the players\u2019 resilience, highlighted refereeing controversies, and looked ahead to a promising future for the club.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re proud,\u201d Marinakis said. \u201cOlympiacos is back in the Champions League with experience and trophies, and I believe they\u2019ll give us many beautiful nights. This team has grit, a bright future, and makes us proud.\u201d He pointed to the stats: Olympiacos had nine shots on target and two goals, while Bodo managed one shot and one goal. The reds also earned 11 corners to Bodo\u2019s zero. Yet, a missed penalty, questionable refereeing decisions, and missed chances tilted the scales.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the tie, Marinakis noted the challenges of the first leg in Norway, where an uneven pitch, injuries, and absences of key players like El Kaabi and Kostoulas hampered the squad. \u201cEven with 10 men and Retsos in goal, we created three chances,\u201d he said. \u201cEverything went against us, but the players\u2019 effort to qualify was moving. The fans never stopped singing and supporting them.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the \u201cunjust\u201d exit, Marinakis drew positives. \u201cWe\u2019ve gained valuable lessons about our team, coach, and supporters,\u201d he said. \u201cI told the players to rest, return for the playoffs, win the league, claim the cup, and secure the double in our 100th anniversary year. They deserve it, along with the coach and our incredible fans.\u201d<\/p>\n He singled out 18-year-old academy star Mouzakitis, who \u201cplayed like a veteran,\u201d and celebrated the unity of homegrown talents with the squad. \u201cSeeing their effort, Karaiskakis giving us energy\u2014it\u2019s unique. If we\u2019d scored the penalty, it\u2019d be a different story. I congratulated them, though we\u2019re gutted\u2014we expected to advance.\u201d<\/p>\n Marinakis remains optimistic: \u201cThis team\u2019s got metal in its veins and a future that\u2019ll keep us proud.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"olym\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/olym-jpg.webp)
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