Olympiacos Coach Michel insists Antonio Conte’s Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus was “not stronger” than the current incarnation.
The two teams meet in Athens on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) for the Champions League.
“We know how to face games in this competition and proved last year that we are capable of it,” said Michel in his Press conference.
Olympiacos Coach Michel insists Antonio Conte’s Juventus was “not stronger” than the current incarnation.
The two teams meet in Athens on Wednesday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) for the Champions League.
“We know how to face games in this competition and proved last year that we are capable of it,” said Michel in his Press conference.
“Tomorrow we must decide if we are up to the standard of this tournament. We respect Juve, but also want to continue our journey. We are honoured that people are talking about us outside of Greece.”
Olympiacos already impressed this season, as they earned a shock 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid here, but lost 2-0 away to Malmo. Michel was asked whether Alberto Botia’s form was a problem.
“This season we conceded four goals, the same as last term. I don’t like commenting on one specific player, as the responsibility is on the whole team.
“I can’t say how the game will go, as I didn’t expect the Atleti match to end 3-2 either. We are going into a top level game and if Kasami scores with a header then great, but we’ll see if he plays or not, as I don’t want to give Allegri too much information!
“It is not the first time we’ve faced a 3-5-2 formation. We know well how Juve will attack and defend, so we’ll be ready.”
Juventus have changed with the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri after three years of Conte and Marcello Lippi said this team is “less ferocious” than in the past.
“Conte’s Juve was certainly distinctive, but not stronger than Allegri’s side. They are different and cannot be compared. I don’t think Lippi was trying to be critical,” continued the Spanish Coach.
“Fernando Llorente hasn’t scored yet this season, while Alvaro Morata is an excellent player. When he was 15 years old I got him to move from Getafe to Real Madrid.
“I’d prefer that neither of them play tomorrow, but I have a predilection for Morata.”
The Bianconeri are locked in a Scudetto battle with Roma, so have Giallorossi defenders Kostas Manolas and Vasilis Torosidis given Michel any advice?
“I spoke to both of them and they talked to me in Greek, which was a problem… They will certainly support Olympiacos tomorrow.”