After the game with Fenerbahce, the last of the Europa League group (1-1) and of this European season, Elias Charalambous offered a series of strong statements at the press conference.
The Cypriot coach of the champions was asked about the statement given before the match, when he said that “The only difference is that now we are not winning and when you don't win, the parrots start jumping again.” However, the Cypriot refused to comment too much.
VIDEO. Elias Chralambous, asked about statements before FCSB – Fenerbahce: “We are here to talk about football”
“I don't watch TV, I don't read what the media write. I still hear a bit. We're here to talk about football. In the pre-match conference I said a lot of nice things, but all the headlines were the same, about one thing. I understand that you need such titles, but I also said other things”said Elias Charalambous.
Asked who he was referring to, Elias replied: “Football questions. Something about football? Something about tactics?”.
I don't know what information you have. At halftime there was a conflict between the players, as happens in almost all matches. Nothing special. I don't know why, again, we pay so much attention. This sort of thing happens almost every game. I tried to help there. The problem was solved very easily. I don't know why we are still talking about this. Let's talk about football. Such things happen all the time and there is no point in paying attention to them.
– Elias Charalabous, about the scandal at halftime of the FCSB – Fenerbahce match
“I don't know anything about Alibec”
Then, Elias Charalambous spoke about the departure of Denis Alibec to Farul, a move announced by Gigi Becali shortly before the match.
“I don't know anything about Denis. I have not received any information. I don't know if something happened during the match. I don't know anything officially. I have no information about Alibec. If they leave, Thiam and Bîrligea are more than enough,” added the Cypriot.
And in the end he defended the defender Siyabonga Ngezana, criticized for his performances in the last matches.
“Ngezana was very good in this match. When the team doesn't play well I don't like to blame one player. Maybe some are not in the best form but that's normal. Ngezana has been playing non-stop for 3 years. He had no holidays, he was at the national team. Let's talk about that too, not just blame the players.
I have played football, I understand that players have periods when they are not fit. But we know who Ngezana is. We know he can play better. And he knows he can play better. The most important thing for me is that he trains and gives his all. I'm sure he will return to a better form,” Charalambous said.
The fan protest was an extra motivation. They protested in a fair way. It was their right. It's something normal. They are upset that the team is not playing the way they want. They showed that they are angry and it is their right. The team has to make them happy.
– Elias Charalambus
