Statements by Pellegrini
(Team) "The team is doing well, both physically and mentally, as we’ve shown in recent matches. When we first qualified for Champions in May, I think we were all expecting different circumstances ahead of the play-off, though the reality is the line-up we have today, and we’re all match-ready. With regards to the line-up, the starting 11 will be decided tomorrow. Due to the television broadcasts, we have another match on Sunday, and then we’re playing in Greece the following Tuesday. This will make recovery time quite difficult, but we’ll work with the time we have the best we can. It’ll be interesting to see throughout the Champions League if teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia are scheduled to play two days after a late 11 p.m. match, and receive the same treatment as Málaga.”
(Panathinaikos) "Panathinaikos are much more well known throughout Europe than Málaga, so we’re not going to win just by name alone. We’re hoping to play a great match against a tough rival, and reach the group stages. Both teams are in the same position, and we’ve both had a long pre-season and played various friendly games. Panathinaikos are a big name in Europe, with a lot of titles behind them. They also have a great coach who has a lot of experience.”
(Fabrice included in line-up) "Fabrice was with us throughout the pre-season, and is a very mature 16 year old. He was included in the line-up because he’s a quality player and he’s shown he’s very capable on the pitch. The press have been saying that he’s reached the top, but this is what we’re constantly working on in training, there’s always room for improvement.”
Statements by Demichelis
(Important match) "There’s a great deal of excitement surrounding the team, who’ve fought so hard for the whole city. We know how important these matches are, and will be focusing all our energies on the 180 minutes we’ll be on the pitch. We’re very confident in our ability, and will be playing the same here at home as we will be in Greece.”
(No favourites) "I’m not singling anyone out as a favourite, I’m only interested in the team as a whole and the job we need to do. We had the chance to correct any mistakes in the last match we played, ahead of this play-off. We know Panathinaikos have also had difficulties within the Club, but this doesn’t mean they won’t play well on the pitch. We just need to concentrate on playing football, and do the best we can to win.”
(Champions League) "You have to live it, feel it and really enjoy it. The atmosphere in the city surrounding this match is electric. It’ll be easy to tell it’s a whole different competition as soon as the match kicks off. We’ll get to see the best stadiums and players in the world…it’s all on another level entirely.”
