Olympiacos owner and coach comment on Europa League draw in Monaco

Olympiacos owner Vangelis Marinakis and head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar attended the Europa League league phase draw in Monaco on August 28, 2026. Marinakis expressed strong ambitions for the club to reach the tournament's final stages, while highlighting the need for further squad reinforcements before the transfer window closes. He acknowledged the strength of opponents like AC Milan, Marseille, and Rennes, but remained confident in the team's ability to compete at a high level under Mendilibar's leadership.

Mendilibar adopted a more cautious approach, emphasizing that there are no easy matches in the competition. The Basque coach noted the historical significance of facing clubs like Milan and Marseille, as well as the consistent quality of Sparta Prague and Rennes. He dismissed premature predictions about points and final standings, insisting that the team must focus on each upcoming match step-by-step to prove their worth on the field.