Leroklis Stoltidis: Olympiacos Are Very Close To Champions League Progression

Although Olympiacos are going well after three games, the veteran anchor believes there is still work to be done yet...

21-Oct-2009 3:07:56 PM

Champions League: Olympiakos - Standard Liege (INTIME)

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Champions League: Olympiakos - Standard Liege (INTIME)

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Olympiakos

Olympiacos struggled to victory against Standard Liege, but Ieroklis Stoltidis' late winner has pushed the Greeks close to progression in the Champions League, according to the midfielder.

"We got an ultra-important victory and, as a result, we stay second in the group. We are very close to the next stage but we have three more equally important games and it's vital for us to stay focussed," Stoltidis told reporters.

"Both teams had their chances to win, but we made a massive effort and deservedly took the points. We overwhelmed them in the closing stages and, even before the goal, had several scoring opportunities.

"Of course, we are well on our way but we must stay grounded for the next game at Standard.

"We had a bad experience last year - we got ten points but still did not qualify, and that is still in the back of our minds.

"We are learning all the time. [Coach Zico] is always explaining what he wants in training and the team seems to be playing better and creating more chances. We are going from being a good side to a much better side."

Olympiacos have collected six points from their initial three games and sit second in the table. Standard, on the other hand, have picked up only one point and are the group's basement dwellers.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

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