For his first match as Coach of OM, Eric Gerets is ready to take on Liverpool at Anfield. “I’ve got very motivated players and we’ve got a fantastic game of football to play,” he said.
Eric, what have you made of OM’s previous matches which you’ve seen on video?
During the five days I’ve worked with the team I’ve got a really good feeling. That’s good for me, but also for the players. The overwhelming feeling is that, despite the current results, this team has talent. Some things aren’t working, like too much space between the lines, but I’ve spoken to the players about them. I don’t agree with those that say nothing is working. I’ve got nothing negative to say. I’ve got very motivated players and we’ve got a fantastic game of football to play against Liverpool. If we play like the team I’ve trained for five days then we’ll have a good game. I don’t know if we’ll get a draw, but we’re not coming to defend.
What do you think about this Liverpool side?
I’ll keep it short: they are one of the best sides in Europe with a brilliant coach who has nothing left to prove. Liverpool deserve our respect but we’re not scared. Despite my respect for them, I’ve already caused them problems when I came here with Galatasaray (3-2). We had the chance to do something that day.
Respect is a good thing, but you mustn’t be scared of your opponent. It’s obviously great for a player to play here and I hope my players feel that and it motivates them even more. Unfortunately I never had the chance to play here and it was a dream of mine.
“I think a team should always walk onto the pitch with the aim of winning”
What’s your analysis of OM’s recent defensive problems?
I was a defender for my entire playing career, so I see things from a different perspective. There were a few too many goals from set pieces, which shouldn’t happen, because we’ve got good headers of a football. We can’t change everything overnight, but we’ve got enough good players to fix things. Everyone knows they have to concentrate more during these passages and I hope we won’t see any similar things on Wednesday.
Would a draw be a good result?
I’ll tell you after the match. Perhaps if we get a draw I’ll be relieved or disappointed. It all depends on the match. But I think a team should always walk onto the pitch aiming to win.
