Omar Elabdellaoui, the Olympiacos defender, in his exclusive interview for the official website of the Super League replied to the questions of the fans and pointed out that "Olympiacos is a top-flight club, well-known in Europe, with great history." The Norwegian player, who plays for the national team and is originally from Morocco, talked about Olympiacos' campaign in the European club competitions and stated that "if we manage to play in the Europa League final, we will try to win the title." The 23-year-old player was also very praising of Greece and Greeks and sent his own positive message: "The financial crisis has not robbed people of their smiles, despite the hardships they are facing."
What is your personal goal and what is your goal as a team?
My personal goals are the same as my team's goals. Namely to constantly improve and of course to win titles! We want to have a good campaign in Europe as a team, to go as far as possible and of course to win both the championship and the Greek Cup. I also always think about my country's national team. I hope that the Norway National Team will manage to excel on an international level.
Which is the highlight of your football career and why?
I have lived many beautiful moments. My first professional appearance, my fist call to the national team and my fist cap with the national team in an official match. These are just some examples, there are many more.
Question by Marina Efstathiou
Would you wish to remain in Olympiacos until the end of your career or would you wish to play for another international club?
Olympiacos is a top-flight club, well-known in Europe, with great history. I am really happy to be here. If there is a proposal, in the future, to move to another international club, I will of course look into it and my club and I will act accordingly. For the moment, however, Olympiacos is the only thing on my mind.
Question by Vassilis Mantzoros
Do you believe that the club can fight for the Europa League title?
We believe in what we can do. We do not like to daydream, but no one can stop us from dreaming! If we are down to earth, work hard and try, we can go far. If we manage to qualify for the Europa League final, then we will try to win the title.
Question by Dimitris Mitseas
What is your favourite Greek dish?
The food I eat, given my diet with the club, is generally based on the Greek cuisine. I generally like the Mediterranean cuisine and the Greek cuisine is part of it. Greeks use olive oil a lot, which is a virgin, nutritious and really tasty ingredient. I like the Greek salad a lot.
Question by Vangelis Kantidis
Based on your personal experience, what would you advise young football players to do in order to succeed and become professional footballers?
Their first priority should always be their targets. I will not tell them that they should use any means available in order to make it, because this means that they may have to do things that are not consistent with their beliefs. They should however do their best; also, they should not regret for their mistakes, but instead learn from them. Finally, they should never give up!
Question by Spyros Vlahospyros
Which first team or academies player do you believe is the most talented?
There are 4-5 players from the Academy who train with us systematically and are particularly talented. First team players are really talented and never stop to improve.
Question by Evangelos Galanis
Do you hang out with any of your teammates?
Yes, I hang out with Abdisalam (Ibrahim) quite a lot, but of course he is not the only one.
Question by Yorgos Georgousopoulos
Do you believe you could as easily plays as a right winger?
These two positions are different: namely the position of the back and the position of the winger. It's one thing to be part of the defence and then move forward in order to help with the attack and it's another to play as an attacking midfielder. Each position has different responsibilities and moves. I cannot say whether I could easily play as a winger. For that to happen, I would have needed to have worked differently as a young player in the way I build my game.
Question by Vassilis Tsakiridis
What are your impressions from living in Greece?
This is a really beautiful country. People are truly warm and really, really polite. I had heard many positive things before coming here, but the situation is even better. The financial crisis has not robbed people of their smiles, despite the hardships they are facing. And this proves that Greeks are good people. As regards your country, I am at a loss for words. There are so many beautiful things and… so much sun!
What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of Olympiacos?
I love them. I haven't been with the club very long, but I have bonded with them a lot. I like to hear them chant on the stands and sing "OLYMPIACOS! OLYMPIACOS!" at the top of their lungs. I want them to know that we fight every day to make the team even better so they can always be proud of the club they adore.
THE WINNER OF THE DRAW FOR THE SIGNED SOUVENIR BY OMAR ELABDELLAOUI, OFFERED BY FC OLYMPIACOS, IS MR VANGELIS KANTIDIS.
