Ruben Pereth: “We know the size of Panathinaikos – To lead the team high”

Ruben Pereth made the statement that there is a continuous improvement in Panathinaikos in every match in his statements in the match program with Panetolikos.

The Spanish ace emphasizes that everyone who has come to the team knows what “Panathinaikos” means and is determined to lead him high.

Pereth’s statements in detail in the program of the match with Panetolikos:

We are just before the game with Panetolikos and after the victory over Lamia, what is the situation of the team?

We are very well after our first away victory in the league. We wanted it, we need it and we got it, and now we have to continue what we are already doing well to be able to win both at home in the following matches for the championship with Panetolikos and the Cup with Volos.

You took a deep breath with the victory in Lamia. Was this victory for you a relief after three consecutive negative results in the championship?



Yes, we needed it a lot because a great team like Panathinaikos must always win at home but it must also get points away from home. And we did it for the first time in the championship. I think it was a very important week for us. This victory gives us the psychology and impetus to continue on the same path.

The game in Lamia went awry early, but the team reacted positively and reached the victory. Especially after half time, we saw another picture. How did the match turn out?



We wanted it very much. We controlled the game, even in the first half during which we conceded the goal in the one and only opportunity made by the opponents. During this time we played high, won many second balls, tried hard but fell behind in the score. In the second half we were more in the game, but we were also lucky because we equalized relatively quickly. After scoring early in the second half, then we had time to chase the upset. We kept our game at a good level, we were pushing and we reached this important victory.

Do you think that so far you have wronged yourself with the results you have obtained?



There are some games that we have not managed well, or rather cleverly. For example, in the game with Asteras in Tripoli, we had to be smarter from the moment we were ahead in the score and after. We need to be smarter in our game at some important points in the game, where we need to better manage critical situations on the pitch.

For better or worse, football is also a game of mistakes. When you go to play against a team that has quality, such as PAOK, it makes sense to face difficulties. And indeed in the first half we had issues. In the second half, however, we went up, we played higher, we equalized and we could have gone ahead. Then came the penalty and turned the game in favor of our opponent.

However, I believe that in all games the team has a good, positive image. He gave it his all on the pitch. In the end, what I hold is that the team enters the field and gives its all.

You were the second transfer made by the team last summer and you lived almost from the beginning the new beginning attempted by Ivan Jovanovic. Have you noticed that there is progress and development in the team during this period?

Look, it makes sense when new players come to a team and there is a new coach that needs some adjustment time for everyone. Not everything changes overnight. It takes time. But really, because I have seen the team building from the beginning, I see progress and I see that we are going up and improving game by game.

Every day a great effort is made to improve in all areas. We know where we are, we know the size of Panathinaikos and we want to lead the team high. It deserves to be there and we have to go to Panathinaikos.

What do you think is missing from the team at the moment?



The races last 90 minutes and during this time you have to live the race as if there is no tomorrow. You have to be absolutely focused. This is what we should try to do in our games.

Your role in the operation of the team seems to be very important as the ball passes through your feet many times. Do you like to be in control of the game?



The truth is that the center, where I play, brings you closer to all the players. You are central and you have them all around you. My role is to help my teammates and the team, whether we have the ball or not.

I generally like to communicate with my teammates in the game and help with possession and movement of the ball.

Adapting to a new team and a new country seemed easy. Did the Spanish-speaking community of Panathinaikos help in this?



I had a good and quick adjustment. When you come to a new country, it is difficult because you have to meet new people and habits. Things were easier at Panathinaikos because I also found several people with whom we speak the same language.

Overall though, everyone on the team welcomed me warmly and helped me adjust faster.

What atmosphere have you found in the locker rooms of Panathinaikos?



Relationships in a team locker room are important. We spent many hours together: in the sports center, in training, in missions, in the hotel, in the games. We may not evaluate it at the moment but as time goes by we realize how blessed we were and are, that we share our time with teammates who have become good friends.

The nice atmosphere in the locker room is important for a team. We also have good locker rooms.

After ten games, what opinion have you formed about the Greek championship?



It has made a great impression on me and it has surprised me positively. I expected it more or less, of course, but I also find on the pitch that there is a high level of players, while the games are difficult and demanding.

What was it that pushed you to come to Panathinaikos?



I played for many years in Spain, I also went through Italy and I wanted a new challenge. Panathinaikos was a club that I watched as a child playing in the Champions League against Spanish teams. I had nice pictures in my mind and the decision to come here was not difficult. I remember the Champions League matches with the crowded stadiums, with the awesome atmosphere on the podium, with sparklers, flares and voices.

I have in my mind all this fantastic atmosphere that makes the game even more beautiful for the players. Since I was a small child, I remember all this and it has been etched in my mind.

And now you live up close the atmosphere of the Avenue …



Indeed, we live football intensely when we play at home. The atmosphere is great and difficult for the opponent. It is very important that we have our fans by our side, who support us very warmly in all home games.

How is life in Athens?



I am very happy here. Life is very beautiful in Athens and people are very pleasant. It reminds me of my homeland, Spain. Greece is a very lively country and Greeks like to travel. I really enjoy it.

Have you been to Greece again?



In the past I had come to Athens two more times, during the time I was playing in La Coruna and later with Leganes. Both times for friendly matches against Olympiakos. Also, last summer, before Panathinaikos emerged, I had come with my wife for a vacation in Greece.

We stayed in Athens, went to the islands and had a good time. And as soon as we returned to Spain, I was invited by Panathinaikos to come to Athens again and sign!

Is there anything you do not like?



Traffic on the roads is annoying. And the fact that people are not so accurate with the time (laughs).

Have you learned Greek at all?



No! I know of course a few more words.

But you tried Greek cuisine. What do you like;



Yes sure. I really like the souvlaki. And the tzatziki!

How are the next hours after the games?



The truth is that I like watching football. I want to see the games right after they end. I want to see again the phases and the details of what may have gone well or badly. I also spend hours with my family at home. You forget and relax.

Did starting a family and the biggest responsibilities in life mature you as a footballer?



You are definitely maturing but the truth is that from a young age I had the same mentality that I have today as a family man and father. I always knew what I had to do, what was right and what was wrong. I have not changed much.

Are you “stuck” with football or do you watch other sports?



No, only football (laughs) …

What do you prefer to watch?



Definitely the Champions League and the European games. I also watch Spanish football, first and second division. Of course I also watch the Greek championship.

How did football come into your life?



From a very young child, 4-5 years old, I remember playing football. At school, in the neighborhood everywhere. And from there I slowly went through all the categories.