His new role as a coach is enjoyed by Panagiotis Vassilopoulos, as he pointed out on his site ΕΣΑΚΕ. In fact, he stood by the difficult moments he went through as an athlete due to injuries, characteristically stating that “I’m tired of being in pain».
The veteran, now, ace made his debut as his partner Milan Tomic in its technical leadership Peristeri Vitabiotics in the home victory (101-81, 16/1) over AEK.
In detail, the interview of Panagiotis Vassilopoulos on the ESAKE website:
How did you feel when you entered the floor for the match Peristeri Vitabiotics-AEK in a suit, was the first question we asked the 38-year-old coach – as we should get used to calling him. «It was weird, something special“, Vassilopoulos answers and points out:”But I did not feel uncomfortable, I think it was a normal development».
-Have you realized that you have stopped playing basketball?
«Yes, the decision to quit was conscious. So from the moment I got it I had no doubt. As I am aware that as a coach I start from scratch. That the role of the coach in relation to that of the player, is another world. The way they work, think and work is different».
-Does your career as a player, however, not help you understand how the athlete in front of you thinks?
«Yes, it is the biggest “supply” a new coach can have and I can offer contact and communication with the players. I know the guys we have in the team very well.
I do not miss playing basketball honestly. Nor do I need to … kill the player inside me. I love the team and the players, to whom I think the first thing you should offer is love.
The player thinks a little more egocentrically. Even as an athlete I wanted to have a balance between “I think about myself” and “I think about the team”. “And I tried to put my teammates in the logic of the team.”
-What would you advise a young child?
«The key for a player is when no one sees him, when he does not have an appetite for work to work harder to be “credited” on the field. It’s the hardest part for a professional athlete.
Everyone wants to be perfect in the race, but it is not possible to press a … button and be in good physical condition, to have self-confidence, concentration and form. Basketball is a team sport, but to help your team you have to work very individually on your body and movements.
Also, a mistake made by players of the generation who became coaches, is that because we had a difficult time, the younger ones have to go through the same. Seasons and requirements change. Everything is evolving. I believe that you should love and respect your athletes “.
-What is the most vivid memory from your sports career?
«I have many beautiful memories, but honestly what comes to mind is that I’m tired of being in pain. Today I enjoy basketball more but also life. I do gymnastics without pain.
I wake up in the morning and it does not hurt. I experienced great joys as an athlete, I won titles, I made friends and acquaintances. But I enjoy my job as a coach. I like it more. It’s something more creative. ”
-You returned to Peristeri Vitabiotics as a partner of Milan Tomic this time, in a difficult period for the team.
«I like, I am intrigued by the difficult missions, to have to face difficult situations without the luxury of time. The team has quality and at some point would react. Many times the problem is psychological. The issue is multifaceted in a team.
The victory over AEK does not tell us much, without wanting to nullify it. A very good effort was made but a victory in order to have value must have a corresponding continuity “.
– Where can Peristeri Vitabiotics reach this season?
«Very difficult to identify. There have been many changes of players and coaches. What we all want, management, coaches and players, is to be a team, to give our best.
Peristeri Vitabiotics from the time I was a player wanted this. To be a family. And the people of Peristeri really support the team when they see that it gives its best, regardless of the result.
When I came to Peristeri Vitabiotics as an athlete I was wary when I heard the administration tell us that even when we lose we will support you. Usually when you lose you are cursed. I found out in practice that it was true, though. That the administration supported us even in the defeats, as long as it saw that we gave everything.
We want to shape this character in the team now. To do the best we can and if we lose, to lose because we were in a bad day or because the opponent was better “.
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.
