Sokratis has warned his Arsenal teammates that they face a ‘hot’ atmosphere when they take on Olympiacos in the first-leg of their Europa League clash this evening.
The Gunners have face the Greek giants in the Champions League on eight occasions since 2009, losing four times in total and three times in Athens.
Facing the media in the pre-game press conference, Sokratis admitted that playing club football in his homeland was rare.
“This is quite big for me,” he said. “We’ve been preparing in the best possible way for this fixture and of course, our mind is set on winning.”
Atmospheres in Greece tend to be raucous, smoky occasions with flares, bangers, drums and choreographed chants all playing a part. Sokratis insists the Gunners are ready for whatever comes their way.
“We have had these sort of discussions with my teammates,” he said. “They know everything, how hot and how tense the atmosphere in the stadium will be.
“What is for certain is that we are so proud to play against a top Greek club, what this means is that we’re going to play against a club who for 90 minutes will have their minds focused on winning. We know this means that this fixture is going to be really difficult and really tough.”
Sitting next to him in the press conference, Mikel Arteta, who was on Arsenal’s books but didn’t feature in either of our trips to the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in 2012 or 2015, admitted he’s expecting a tough examination from the hosts.
“He [Sokratis] knows everything about Olympiacos, about the country, about the type of fans that we are going to find here.
“I’ve been very aware from the games that I’ve watched about them and their passion, their quality and the atmosphere that we are going to have to be playing in tomorrow.
“So yes, it’s a difficult trip away from home and we’re going to expect a tough game and we’ve prepared for the game knowing that it’s going to be a difficult challenge.”
Preparation is the mother of success.
There is no amount of preparation that can be too much, therefore we should roll out every loaded armour against the Greek giants.
We are the unbeatable Gunners
But we’ve got the Big Papa 5! COYG!!!
Up to us to find their Achilles heel. If Auba doesn’t start we could have Hector leading us tonight.
Well played 🙂
Nice one. I believe Hector found Archilles heel in Greek mythology. There is always an Archilles heel or hamartia(tragic). We have found them out. COYG!
Speaking as a Greek gooner I know that there will be some racists at the stadium. Unfortunately.
So I fear for abuse on Xhaka and Mustafi due to their connection with Albania.
Speaking of behalf of normal Greeks I wanna say in advance sorry. These opinions are only a small part of the society!
Great to hear – thanks. It makes you realise what other international supporters may think of all English supporters when they hear of the activities of the Chelski scum.
All fans should be United against racism. Jokes aside, I refuse to believe that all Chelsea fans are scums
Am absolutely delighted for Papa that he gets to play club football in his country. Must surely feel like a homecoming to him. Hope he receives a huge cheer when they announce his name tonight. COYG!
It’s a cauldron no doubt with Olympiacos as the flesh. I guess we are going to have a great dinner. COYG!
Gamietai o thrylos kai o peiraias
Bravo Arsenal, now 3-4-5 more goals in London please. may Denis assist in
humiliating these corrupt drugdealing fascist subhuman scum
bukayo saka = 300m release clause ..pronto!