Tiago Mendes appeared at the press conference prior to the match against Olympiacos on the fifth round of the Champions League. The Portuguese highlighted the importance of the match against the only rival that has been able to defeat Atlético during this season's Champions League: "When we lose a match, it's because we didn’t do something well. Hopefully, tomorrow we can demonstrate that we have improved, that we have outdone ourselves and we have learned. That match put a lot of pressure on us because it was the first match of the group stage and it made the following matches be like finals, and tomorrow will be another final."

I’m really enjoying myself and when you have fun, everything turns out well

Tiago acknowledged that he was happy to be going through a great moment since he has returned to the Portuguese national team: "I’m fine. I was lucky enough to go back to my national team and that I was given me minutes. I’m really enjoying myself and honestly, I feel like a kid. When you have fun on the field, things turn out well and that's how I feel."

Lastly, the Portuguese midfielder appraised the progress of Atlético during the current season: "We have been working for some time, we are getting to know more about each other, so the team works better and we become stronger. With time, we can improve our football, it’s our life and hopefully, everything will turn out well in the future."