It’s going to be ‘bizarre’, says Sokratis
8PM, BT SPORT 2
FORMER Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos says it will be ‘bizarre’ to take on his old club with Olympiakos but is confident he can shackle ex-teammates like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The defender (below) joined the Greek champions after his Gunners contract was terminated in January.
Having been left out of the squads for both the Premier League and Europa League, Sokratis did not feature for Arsenal at all this season.
‘As a far as I am concerned it is a bit bizarre (to be playing Arsenal), as two months ago I was team-mates with many of these guys from Arsenal,’ he said.
‘This is not something that you get every day in football. However, it is a major challenge for me. It’s a new challenge and my mind is set on winning.’
To reach the quarter-finals, Olympiakos will need to keep a lid on the Gunners’ frontline strikers Aubameyang and Lacazette, and Sokratis admitted: ‘It is tough to play against top players.
‘We know Aubameyang and Lacazette are great players and if they have their day they can decide a match. However, tomorrow we will be the ones to win the match and have a great evening.’
MANCHESTER City got back to winning ways last night as they thrashed Southampton 5-2, but boss Pep Guardiola was left fuming they were not awarded a first-half penalty.
The Premier League leaders, who saw Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez both score twice, thought they should have had a spot-kick after 32 minutes when Saints keeper Alex McCarthy lost possession and allowed Phil Foden to nip in.
McCarthy then tried to rescue the situation but took Foden down with a late challenge. Referee Jon Moss allowed play to go on and City and Guardiola were incredulous when VAR did not intervene.
The City manager said: ‘It is just incredible that a penalty was not given. One day they are going to explain why. I do not understand it.’
Reflecting on the result that moved City 14 points clear of Manchester United – who beat them 2-0 at the weekend – the Spaniard added: ‘It’s important for Kevin and Riyad to score goals. Now it’s rest and then Fulham. It’s one game at a time.’