The perfect atmosphere in her locker room national group deified to News Bulletin 247 The Demis Nikolaidis.
Talking to him Michael Tsoho and having experienced the team up close (as commentator of the recent match against Gibraltar), the 2004 legend said excited with international relations and eagerness to play together.
As for the competition, he emphasized that they exist hopes of qualification even against the “behemoths” France and the Netherlandsconfirmed the leadership presence Bakaseta and disagreed with the… stinginess in compliments for new players like o Konstantelias.
What Demis Nikolaidis said in detail
For the faults of the players of the national team: “The most important thing is how the team develops and the atmosphere inside it. This was started by the previous coach and continues this year. We may have a very competitive league on the field, but the relationships between the players are excellent. It is impressive what we see in the ranks of the team, I am happy with this atmosphere and with this teamwork that I see. There is humility, modesty, politeness in how they talk to everyone, from the flight attendant on the plane to the fans. It’s a really nice marriage of players, they enjoy playing together and it shows in the games.”.
For the appearance with Gibraltar: “There is a difficulty when you play with small teams. You’re getting a little carried away. The goal was scored early and that sometimes doesn’t allow you to be… alert. That was the case until the 25th minute, but after that it was too many good players on a good day. Regardless of the opponent, there was movement and partnerships. It was not necessary that we play from the sides or vertically or with combinations and not with crosses. We didn’t do it from the start, but from the 25th minute onwards we did it until the end. That’s how a good performance came with three goals and three beams.”
For Bakaseta’s initial appearance: “Indeed, he is the child who brings them all closer together, but he is not alone. He couldn’t do it alone. There were times in the past when we went to the National and we weren’t very happy. Now they tell me that they can’t wait for the national team matches to come so they can meet. This is amazing. As for the behavior of the old, it makes the young feel more comfortable too.”
On the abundant talent in midfield: “It’s a very good group of players. In terms of individual quality, I wouldn’t want anything more, we have very good players in all positions. The strange thing is that we now have many more solutions in Greek football in forward and midfielder positions, while this used to happen with stoppers and defensive midfielders”.
For the plan change that will be needed soon: “What we are waiting to see is how he will react when he faces teams that will have possession and in games, like against France, where we will have to counter-attack. I say this because as a team we want the ball at our feet, but in such matches we will be forced to play differently. Nevertheless, I believe that we will not lose four times in the matches against France and the Netherlands.”
On whether group targeting is affected by the possibility of qualifying for the Euros via the Nations League: “What they achieved, to have a second chance for the Euros, they achieved. As for the group, they should not think about anything other than first or second place. The point is to get four wins against Iceland and Gibraltar and see, especially in the last two matches against France and the Netherlands at home, if we can get the qualification with a win. Perhaps the second chance should be completely out of mind. Let’s play the group matches, let them finish and then we’ll see. For now, all we have to worry about is getting points in the group matches.”
On whether he considers the noise about Konstantelias too much: “I don’t think it’s excessive. You can tell what kind of player he is by the way he touches the ball. I disagree with not complimenting a young player so they don’t blow their minds. After all, today’s young children are more… read than us. I don’t want us to skimp on good words for young footballers”.
On whether Constantelias is ready for abroad: “Going overseas should be the goal of all young players. No lies, there are better leagues than ours. But this must be done when Konstantelias and every new player will be ready and mature football-wise. He should have enough games under his feet in the Greek league before taking this step.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
