Hjulmand ahead of #OLYB04: ‘Give it our best for fans and club’

"We're hoping for a better start tomorrow than in last month's clash. It was our last defeat to date. We're aiming for a top performance and are ready for the first of two important games," explained Kasper Hjulmand at the press conference in the Karaiskakis Stadium on Tuesday evening. The Dane described upcoming opponents Olympiacos as having a "very good way of playing football. They play directly and press high to secure second balls. They're one of the top teams in the Champions League when it comes to winning possession high up the pitch."

Andrich: "Dampening the ATMOSPHERE can have a big impact"

Captain Robert Andrich said of the reunion with the Greeks: "We're now familiar with the atmosphere, which can be an advantage. It'll be another difficult game. We had some great chances in the league clash that we didn't capitalise on. That contributed to the course of the game."

As to how the team will look to deal with the atmosphere this time, Andrich replied: "Of course, you can't blank out the atmosphere. As a player, you're in the tunnel and don't notice everything, but that, you do notice, of course. But starting the game better, coupled with our own quality and our own build-up play and getting the opener, we can dampen the atmosphere. That can make a big difference."

Hjulmand: "Experience and appreciate the moment"

Speaking of the atmosphere, the press conference also focused on the special atmosphere that always prevails during a clash in Europe's premier club competition. Andrich commented: "After the national anthem, the Champions League one is the best thing you can hear as a player. I very much hope to hear it a few more times in my career." Coach Hjulmand added: "It's a nice competition. You never know how many games you'll have each season. We'll enjoy it and give it our all. I always try to live in the moment and appreciate it. In life, everything can always change quickly, so we have to give it our best - for ourselves, for the fans, for the club."

Andrich on Tapsoba: "He's matured a lot"

When asked about defender Edmond Tapsoba, who recently bagged his fourth goal of the season against FC St. Pauli to become the centre-back with the most direct goal contributions (four goals, two assists) in Europe's big five leagues, Andrich said: "His development has been very good. He's matured a lot. He's always been someone who is calm. That's very good for us. He makes few mistakes in the game, defends rigorously, can play passes in behind the back line and score goals." Hjulmand added with a smile on his face: "Rob spoke like a coach and said it all." (laughs)