THE Alberto Brignoli is established under its rafters Panathinaikou and is claiming the first championship of his career in the big league, with his… promise that if Ivan Jovanovic’s team succeeds in being one race a half marathon!
The Italian goalkeeper gave a very interesting interview to Gazzetta dello Sportin which he mentions, among other things, the various… objects that have been thrown at him in derbies, what he thinks the Greek teams would do in Serie A, what he chooses between pizza and souvlaki, as well as who he would like to be his opponent in the Champions League.. .
What he said in detail:
About the level of football in Greece: “The level has clearly improved compared to last year. The teams fighting against the dominance of Olympiakos increased. The top five in the division, if they were to play in Italy, would ensure they stay.
The problem is that apart from the three teams from Athens and the two from Thessaloniki, the other 8-9 are struggling. In Greece, television rights bring less money than in Italy. Agreements may be made with one of the country’s two television companies, but proportionately we are talking about lower revenues.
Here, if you’re not from the Athens teams, it’s hard to think about spending two million euros for a player.”
La Grecia di #Brignoli: “Se vinco il titolo col Pana corro per 21 km. Champions? Voglio il Barca”#calcio https://t.co/1qTC5Mbo1b
— GazzaMondo (@ETGazzetta) February 27, 2023
On what he would tell an Italian about derbies: “You can refer to what happens in the stands. We were at the headquarters of Olympiakos, there is a warm atmosphere every time. They threw some carrots on the field. I also appreciated the carrots, considering that in the other derby, against AEK, bombs fell near my home”.
For which teammate he would recommend in Italy: “Bernard, without a doubt. His resume speaks for itself. He played in the World Cup with Brazil. From the entire Greek league, I say that Konstantelias can have a huge boom in his career. I know Milan want him.”
On what such a young player should expect: “You have to believe in the young, otherwise there’s no reason to have them. For those not from Europe’s big five leagues, patience is needed. And this does not only apply to Greece, but also to Belgium, where for example De Ketelare of Milan comes from. I played with Nikolaou at Emoli, he came from Olympiakos but it took him a year and a half to adapt to Italy.”
On whether he misses Serie A: “Yes, but I wouldn’t do anything to go back. Here I am trying to take advantage of the good opportunity I have been given, I still have a year and a half left on my contract. Last summer I was approached by teams from Serie A but it was not a prospect I liked.”
For the air on… the green side of Athens: “Neither we nor the club expected that we would be on top at the end of February. Last year we won the Cup, went through to the Conference League qualifiers, but got knocked out straight away. In 2023 we aimed to improve. If we do win the title it will be a miracle.
In a sense, this season is a confirmation of the progress that has been made since last year. Analogously, I see Panathinaikos as Stefanos Pioli’s Milan. He is always trying to improve and is called upon to confirm what was good last year after a series of difficult seasons.”
What is he willing to do if Panathinaikos wins the championship: “The Athens half marathon. Think I’m struggling to do even two kilometres, so that would be huge.”
Whether he has also tried to score in Greece: “Yes, I admit it. In the derby of the first match against Olympiakos, we lost by one goal and had a foul on the sides. I was already in the area ready to claim the header, but the referee was called by VAR and converted the foul into a penalty. It was better that way.”
On what to choose between pizza and souvlaki:
“Pizza, without a doubt. But I appreciate the tzatziki and the souvlaki. Greek cuisine is not bad. As long as they don’t make pasta. Only we can do that.”
Who would he like to play against in the Champions League: “Of the Italians, one of the two Milan teams. The Champions League at San Siro is the closest thing to heaven. But from the other big clubs, I say Barcelona. I have never stepped on the grass at Camp Nou.”
Source: Sport Fm
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