Mendilibar sees ‘similarities’ between Fiorentina and Roma Finals | OneFootball

Olympiacos coach Jose Luis Mendilibar sees ‘similarities’ between this Conference League Final with Fiorentina and last season, when his Sevilla beat Roma in the Europa League.

The Greek side have the home advantage, as UEFA had already scheduled the match for the AEK Arena in Athens.

While not their own stadium, inevitably more of their fans will be present in their home city than the travelling Viola support.

Mendilibar was on the Sevilla bench last season when they beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma on penalties, so can he repeat the trick with another Italian opponent?

“There are many similarities, but also different teams and circumstances,” said the coach in his press conference.

“We must remain calm, relaxed and do what got us to the Final. It would be a big mistake for us to change things now, seeing as it has all gone so positively. We treat this match like all the others.

“I saw in my players a real desire to get out there and play the Final. I reiterated that we must believe and give our all tomorrow. They are truly motivated.”

Mendilibar is feeling a little superstitious and confessed he will have the same pre-match meal that he ordered last season, even in the same order.

Olympiacos journey with Mendilibar

Olympiacos started out in the Europa League group stage, dropping to the Conference League from February, but had some extremely tight games.

They fought back from 4-1 down in the first leg to eliminate Maccabi Tel Aviv in extra time for the Round of 16, then were pushed to penalties by Fenerbahce in the quarter-finals.

“I have already decided how to play and the game plan. Our journey so far was a marathon with four knockout rounds. We had difficult moments, travelled all over Europe, played as both favourites and underdogs, and it all took us here, to the end of the road.”

Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Italiano said he had brought along padlocks and chains to keep star man Ayoub El Kaabi quiet.

“I have another 10 players on the field along with El Kaabi, so they will have to worry about them too,” concluded Mendilibar.

“We are worried about all of Fiorentina and El Kaabi is not the only player able to make the difference for Olympiacos.”

El Kaabi scored a massive 10 goals in eight Conference League games this season, including five over two legs against Aston Villa in the semi-final.