Efforts to put the “Greek train” back on track in order to avoid an … accident is how European officials described Thursday’s closely watched Eurogroup meeting in Brussels.

The comments came before an afternoon telephone conversation between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, which government sources portrayed as an effort close the gap in differences between the leftist government and creditors.

Meanwhile, EU officials told Proto Thema that Euro area FinMins are waiting to see “solutions from Greece and not inflammatory statements”.

The comments, ahead of the Eurogroup session, come after days of repeated uses by Greek PM Alexis Tsipras of the word “rift” vis-a-vis creditors. They also said communication between Athens and its partners has ceased since Sunday.

EU circles point to the fact that EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker spoke “on-the-record” about the Greek issue this week, with the Eurogroup the next venue for “frank talk… then we’ll see”.

Moreover, sources close to Eurogroup head Jeroen Djisselbloem reiterated that the EU wants the Greek side to return to the negotiating table with “realism”, as they noted. “If that doesn’t happen, Greece will essentially enter, with its own responsibility, into difficult paths.”

Varoufakis

Meanwhile, Greek FinMin Yanis Varoufakis on Wednesday told foreign reporters that he doesn’t expect an agreement on Thursday at the Eurogroup meeting.

In echoing the more recent “line” by the SYRIZA government this week, Varoufakis said a deal will come after consultations by heads of state and not by his peers.

Yanis will represent Greece at the Eurogroup meeting … where he’s expected to be seated in a chair for the session.