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Panathinaikos Coach Nikos Nioplias: I Know How To Hurt Barcelona
Panathinaikos coach Nikos Nioplias believes he knows how to hurt Barcelona, and brands Lionel Messi an 'alien'.
| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £70.00 | Draw £42.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £70.00 | Draw £45.00 | Barcelona £14.40 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £80.00 | Draw £40.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £85.00 | Draw £45.00 | Barcelona £14.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Leverkusen £75.00 | Draw £42.00 | Barcelona £13.70 |
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Sep 3, 2010 4:05:00 PM
By Paul Macdonald
Panathinaikos coach Nikos Nioplias has confidently claimed that he has the tactics to stop Barcelona dead in their tracks in this season’s Champions League.
The Greek side were drawn in Group D with the Blaugrana, along with Russian champions Rubin Kazan and Danish side Copenhagen.
El Mundo Deportivo reports that Nioplias, who took over at the Shamrocks in December 2009 after the departure of Henk ten Cate, reckons he has the tactical nous required to stifle Barca.
“It is good to confront the best team in the world," he said. "Pep Guardiola has a quality team. What other team has eight World Cup winners in their ranks, and also has Lionel Messi?
“But I say that we know how to hurt them. One thing is figuring out how to do it and another being able to perform it on the field. Force them to pass the ball in their own defensive zone, then hit them on the counter-attack. It is not easy to achieve, though.”
The fledgling coach, who previously took charge of Greece’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams, also commented on the abilities of Lionel Messi.
“He is an alien playing football. He is a sensational player. Will he play left or play through the centre? The truth is, he can play anywhere.”
The Greek side were drawn in Group D with the Blaugrana, along with Russian champions Rubin Kazan and Danish side Copenhagen.
El Mundo Deportivo reports that Nioplias, who took over at the Shamrocks in December 2009 after the departure of Henk ten Cate, reckons he has the tactical nous required to stifle Barca.
“It is good to confront the best team in the world," he said. "Pep Guardiola has a quality team. What other team has eight World Cup winners in their ranks, and also has Lionel Messi?
“But I say that we know how to hurt them. One thing is figuring out how to do it and another being able to perform it on the field. Force them to pass the ball in their own defensive zone, then hit them on the counter-attack. It is not easy to achieve, though.”
The fledgling coach, who previously took charge of Greece’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams, also commented on the abilities of Lionel Messi.
“He is an alien playing football. He is a sensational player. Will he play left or play through the centre? The truth is, he can play anywhere.”
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