Jovanovic: “Marseille was the most difficult opponent in my years at PAO – qualifying is our dream”

Without much mood and in heavy climatedue to yesterday’s events and the murder of an AEK fan, but with the obvious intention to claim until the end the… dream and the presence in the Champions League groups was presented at the usual press conference before tomorrow’s match Panathinaikou Ivan with Marseille on Avenue Jovanovic.

The Serbian coach of the “greens” paid his respects to the French team, but pointed out that his team will do everything in their power to advance to the next phase of the competition!

At the same time, Jovanovic described the organization and discipline that his team will show against Marseille as keys and noted that Panathinaikos will play their game, despite the value of their opponent.

“I would like before you start the questions to express my condolences to the family of the deceased Michalis, These two days should have been days of joy for Athens, with our teams fighting for qualification, but unfortunately they were marked by the death of a child. These are certainly difficult times, which is why the press conference is not taking place under the best conditions“, he initially said.

You are in your third year with the team, having even returned to Europe. Deep down, even if Panathinaikos doesn’t qualify, will you be satisfied that you brought them back into the groups, even of the Europa League?

“For sure, it was one of the goals we had in front of us. We made it. They don’t leave us much room, which is to fight in the two games against Marseille to succeed.

During your days you face the most powerful opponent theoretically and practically all this time. Panathinaikos on the other hand likes to have possession of the ball, to what extent do you intend to change your tactics?

“As a team we have no intention of changing the way we play. It will be like the rest of the matches, therefore, with the knowledge that we are playing with a very good team and with the thought that possibly with its value it will do it. Through our game we will look for the result that will be good for us”.

11 years ago, Lyon were also favorites against APOEL when you were the coach, but they didn’t make it. Does this couple have any similarities to now?

“No, I don’t think it has anything special to do with it. The truth is that Marseille play in a higher level league, with more European experience than us. He has our absolute respect, but as a team we also have a hope and a dream, to claim the chances we have in the two games to go to the next phase.”

Panathinaikos always plays to win at home, although this is a different match. Would a draw be a positive result?

“We can’t think about the outcome. Marseille is a very big opponent, apart from the win, any other result will be difficult for us. In both matches we will have to have a higher level to have hopes of qualifying. We certainly can’t think that a draw will be good for us.”

How did you see Marseille when we are talking about a new team?

“We are watching her not only because of the opponent, but also because of her value and the French league. And last year she was competitive and this year with the change of the coach and the style of play, I believe she is a little stronger than last year. He has high goals in the league and in Europe, but he is on our way and we, having no other choice, will try regardless of the quality and value to be better, after these two games.”

Marseille will play with two strikers tomorrow, what is their counter plan and what is the key for you?

“Marseille is not just Aubameyang and Diagé, but a team that has good pace with good players both in defense and on the wings. The main thing for us is to be very disciplined, a team that will be willing to play football, to demand a result and to be organized both in the attacking phase and when Marseille will be in possession of the ball. It requires a lot of self-concentration, with a lot of desire to play the game that suits us in order to be competitive and get the result we want.”

On the basis that nothing important is judged for the sequel, is this considered important? Does it make you feel comfortable?

“We can lose a lot, regardless of having secured the groups. We can never be comfortable when we face teams like Marseille. We are in the qualifiers, it will be a tough game tomorrow, we know that. We will have to make a big effort, perhaps the biggest in the two years that I have been here. So that we can hope to qualify for the next phase, because that is our goal as well.”