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Mixed emotions for Olympiacos boss Michel

Olympiacos coach Michel said he was “satisfied” but not “happy” as the Greek giants were forced to settle for a UEFA Europa League berth.

A 4-2 win over Malmo on the final Group A matchday was not enough for Olympiacos to advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Olympiacos needed to beat Swedish visitors Malmo and hope Juventus lost against Atletico Madrid, who played out a goalless draw in Turin.

The Greek champions will now take part in the Europa League, something that has provided Michel with mixed feelings.

“I don’t feel that we’ve been knocked out of the Champions League, rather that we are continuing in the Europa League,” said Michel.

“The team deserves to continue on the European stage. We have a much smaller budget compared to other big European teams and we’ve done very well, so I congratulate my players.

“I’m satisfied but can’t say I’m happy because we wanted to go through to the next phase of the Champions League like we did last season.”

Olympiacos had four different goalscorers at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, with David Fuster, Alejandro Dominguez, Konstantinos Mitroglou and Ibrahim Afellay on target.

Mitroglou and Afellay both struck in the final three minutes to break the deadlock after Simon Kroon and Markus Rosenberg had restored parity in the second half.

“In the end it was difficult. It’s happened often this season,” said Michel. “To play well, miss chances but then concede every time our opponents get through midfield.

“We have had a great run this season in the Champions League. I’m satisfied with our showing, apart from the match against Atletico in Madrid.”

Malmo bowed out of the competition bottom of the group but coach Age Hareide was still proud of their efforts.

“My players did what they could. Olympiacos initially pressed, but we kept our composure and managed to equalise twice,” Hareide said.

“We lost our concentration in the end and the players got tired but I’m proud of them − they did their best. We just had a very bad last six minutes. Everything else went to plan. The last six minutes cost us.

“Things never go as planned if you can’t deal with the opposition’s set pieces and corners.”