Martin O’Neill admits his Nottingham Forest players will relish the opportunity that comes with playing against Olympiacos.
The Reds boss spent four days out in Greece last week, visiting the Piraeus giants’ training base, as well as spending time exploring the city of Athens ahead of their summer visit.
Forest will travel to Greece in mid-summer as they step up their preparations for the new Championship season, with a prestigious game against Olympiacos scheduled at the Karaiskakis Stadium on July 16, three days after they face Europa League hopefuls Atromitos.
"This trip was a great opportunity for me to return to Athens. (In) two months (Forest) will play a friendly against Olympiacos,” said O’Neill, in a translated interview with Greek newspaper Champions Day.
“I would love to see the facilities of the club, the training centre, the stadium and I have to say it is really fantastic!
"I watched Olympiacos on the TV, but I prefer to watch football (in person).
“I'm sure my players will enjoy the friendly - Karaiskakis will be a different atmosphere, a European night.
“It will definitely be a unique experience for them and I can say I'm looking forward to this game.”
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O’Neill, who replaced Aitor Karanka as manager at the City Ground in January, admits that while he would welcome more players to follow in the footsteps of Karim Ansarifard and Andreas Bouchalakis in making the switch from Athens to Nottingham, they’d find it hard to leave such surroundings in Pireaus.
“I know the players, but it will not be fair to comment on them. Sure I would like some at Forest, but I think the environment here is so good that no one wants to leave," he said.
“It’s excellent for each player, I realised the amazing atmosphere on site, the weather is fantastic and there is no reason for any player to not enjoy playing for Olympiacos.
“It is ideal conditions.”
Accompanied by his wife Geraldine, O’Neill enjoyed a guided tour of the ancient city, taking in some of the sights including the Magemenos Avlos and the Acropolis while also visiting the Peloponnese region.
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"It's a place of great historical value and interest worldwide,” he said. “Twenty years have passed since the last time here. Much has changed, but is still a fantastic place.
“And it's very nice for everyone to visit."
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