Jovanovic: “Panathinaikos is a very big team, no one can underestimate them”

In detail what was stated by Ivan Jovanovich at the press conference after the victory of Panathinaikos against Panaitolikos with a score of 2-0.

On the tragedy of Tempe: “For all of us who live here it has been a difficult week because of the accident in Tempe. It was that you understand that football can take a back seat. I hope it doesn’t happen again and that things are done to prevent it from happening again. In fact, everything took second place. You understand how much of an impact it had on society. The atmosphere was somewhat, as everyone understands the magnitude of human suffering. Really tough week for everyone, let alone the families of people who lost their significant others. The EPO and the Super League must do everything they can to help people.”.

For the image of Panathinaikos: “What I liked most was the intensity, but also the patience in our game. As the league draws to a close, all points count and losses are prohibited. Although it took a lot of effort to open up the opposing defense, we had the patience. Patience and intensity were very important elements”.

Regarding the question from last week after the Olympiakos game: “I want to make it clear. What I said was about this particular game. No one can underestimate Panathinaikos. The specific question was in that direction. Panathinaikos cannot be underestimated. Panathinaikos is a huge team and no one can underestimate them. I didn’t think it was right”.

Because many try to underestimate Panathinaikos and if this makes the team stubborn: “We live in Greek football. Everyone tries to defend their team. This is Greek football. This keeps it alive. As long as we have a good atmosphere. It doesn’t bother me that much. We as a group discuss the things that can help us. It’s different from last year.

We knew we had to go the extra mile. We knew that the championship requires other things. If we look at the beginning of the year compared to the beginning of last year, many players left. We are making good progress. This year we are trying to go one step further. The team is not complete and we are all taking steps forward.

We are in a good way. We wanted to be in the playoffs, with a ranking position so that we have the right to fight for the championship. Maybe some things have happened earlier than we thought, but this is the reality.

The effort will continue in this direction. I believe that Panathinaikos will be better and better every year and closer to what the fans of the team want. Every league is stubborn in its players and we are a team that shows stubbornness on the field. The next years will be much better than it is today.”.

On the changes to the starting line-up and how pleased he is: “I am satisfied. Both Kotsiras and Magnuson haven’t played lately. The same goes for Sporar. We had the loss of Bernard on the eve of the game. I’m happy as they had a good pace for 90 minutes. I believe some could have had more time than I am giving them. Unfortunately at this point it is very important to have uniformity in the games ahead of us. I would like to give more time to some”.

On today’s victory and how difficult it was for Panaitolikos: “Look, Panaitolikos has had the same coach for two years. They are a very good team. The games we played against Panaitolikos were difficult. Today on the field he was not stressed and whenever he could counter attacks he did so. He has good players and we struggled. I have enormous respect for this team and the work of Mr. Anastasiou. They are a team that can make it difficult for all the big teams. He was not far from the top six. It has good Greeks and most of them are ours. I am happy when we go to play in Panaitolikos. Bravo to them for the seriousness they have as a team”.

On whether teams with more bench depth will have an advantage in the playoffs: “I agree with that. It’s perfectly normal since we’re going to play 10 games at a high pace. There are four teams going for the championship and another two that will fight for Europe. In a short period of time. That’s why I told you that the championship will be of particular interest. The competitive situation of the teams, the depth that each team will have. Maybe I should also give playing time to some players who deserve it, while so far I haven’t given it. All the teams that are there have enough and good footballers and depth on the bench, like us”.

On whether Kleinheisler is in the plans to be used on the axis: “Yes. It’s because I think he can cover many positions for us in the team. Laszlo is a good footballer who can play in several positions. He had some with his arrival as the league was suspended in Croatia. He passed covid while also having an injury before the game with Volos. It needs more time. In his first games I prefer him to start in one position, which is familiar to him, than to be used in another position. He can definitely play in another position as well”.