Shell-shocked Míchel keeps faith in Olympiacos

Laurent Blanc, Paris coach
I would rather have played 11-a-side the whole game but we saw the team spirit we already demonstrated in other situations. This is a must-have, this is important. [Marco] Verratti [who was sent off], it is unfortunate but we try to change him. However, it has been a very good campaign so far and I think it is good to advance as group winners.

With the second goal, there was a feeling of joy. Even ten against 11 we created great chances. We wanted to go forward and score goals to win this game. We had an attacking mindset and to achieve what we wanted in such circumstances is great. When Marco was sent off, we still wanted to keep two forwards, two central attackers, who were Edi [Edinson Cavani] and Ibra [Zlatan Ibrahimović]. We played three in the middle and four behind. Olympiacos were more and more threatening so we changed the team and put Edi on the left.

Míchel, Olympiacos coach
We came close to securing a good result. We are left with a bittersweet feeling – sweet for our effort and bitter for the final result. Two minutes before the final whistle, we were virtually qualified for the next round. Now we need to wait until the last minute and remain positive. We have to beat Anderlecht. I believe we can do it and go through. We have progressed in terms of mentality, but we still lack the necessary experience to keep the desired result. We are disappointed with the defeat but remain confident we will qualify.