Jovanovic: “We are not satisfied with the result – The pressure is normal when you are chasing the championship”

In detail what Ivan Jovanovic said at the press conference:

“The pressure on teams fighting for the championship is always very high. It’s perfectly normal for a team with this goal. All the teams around the world fighting for the championship have the same pressure. Every week they work, prepare and play under pressure. There are games where this pressure may be visible a little more, there are matches where it may not be visible. It’s something that football has, the emotional part. Depending on the opponent.

For us, the pressure is definitely high because we are first since the first matchday. You win, win, win, win and never getting where you want is not manageable. The pressure is normal and we will have it.”

For the lack of opportunities

“All the matches against AEK were very demanding in terms of details. From the goalkeeper, how you can press, when you open the game you have to take advantage of it. Depending on the opponent’s pressure, if he presses. Very demanding match in some details. They are a very disciplined team. In all these details you have to be perfect to say that he played a good game.

We had issues with the development of the game. We didn’t function well there. We tried to move the ball with more long passes than we usually do. It’s not our style and we used a lot of energy in the big transfers on a big pitch. This whole part was a bit anarchic and we couldn’t have any other elements that characterize us as a group. Lines close, possession, tempo control. It wasn’t the game we were preparing for. It happens. But the main reason why we were not as we wanted today was some decisions we made during the game. We also made it easier for the opponent. We are not satisfied with the result. We wanted to win it. But the way we played it was also very difficult to get it.”

-Does Panathinaikos have an advantage for the championship?

“Yes, logic says we have an advantage. It would be crazy to say anything else, because if we win all three games we’ll get it. Practically it means that we keep our luck in our games. But certainly the matches we have are very difficult games. We have PAOK, Olympiacos, Ari, AEK has Olympiacos, Aris and Volos. They are tough matches as they all turned out to be. It will probably be taken by the team with more stamina. We have two more games this week. The last week is more manageable because we will have a normal rest. Busy weeks, five derbies in two weeks. There is fatigue, injuries, we are all at the limit.”

-For the protest to the fourth referee:

“It’s my fault. It was in a phase where we wanted to take out Kourbelis, in between Tsokai had a hit. I asked not to make the change I wanted, but to take Chokai out because he had a hit. The fourth had already shown the change. From what I understand, once the sign is up, you can’t change it. It was my fault.

To win the championship this year you have to exaggerate yourself. Even third place can be beneficial for a team that takes it. But even if PAOK and Olympiacos didn’t have a goal, the matches are always very difficult. If we want to win the championship we have to win. The goal is too big. If I could play too, I would and it would be easier. We should choose the eleven that will be in good competitive condition that should play against PAOK, without thinking about the next one. »

Regarding Matias Almeida’s statement:

“Did Mr. Almeida say that thing? Are you sure. I was the last of the Mohicans. I’m not commenting on what he said. I can’t understand them at all. I could say them too. I did not expect him to address this issue. Panathinaikos has not benefited from anyone throughout the championship. In the end we will finish, everyone will gain a lot more from us.

When I say something and in a month you ask me, I won’t say that I didn’t say it. I want to be ok in front of you. I did not expect the AEK coach to have such a position. We are in the battle for the title because we are both very good teams. I am very proud of my players and my team. Stable value since the beginning of the year. I will not be swayed by it.”