Jovanovic: “Even if it was 2-0, Panathinaikos would try again – Well done to the players”

Happy with Panathinaikos’ reaction, Ivan Jovanovic said at the press conference after the match against Braga.

With the Serbian technician also standing by the fact that the football players of the “clover” manage to play rationally until the end of the games and vindicate themselves.

What Jovanovic said in detail:

About whether the result is fair: “It was a very good game, difficult and with a very good pace. We understood during the game that we could keep them away from the combination game. When they played this game they were dangerous. We wanted and tried to score goals. At this level small mistakes can be costly. After Braga’s second goal, we were in danger. I don’t know if there is justice in football. I am satisfied with the team’s effort. We deserved a goal based on the phases we had. We have more hopes than we would have if we didn’t score.”

On what Panathinaikos must correct in the return leg to qualify: “What we lacked was composure when we had possession of the ball. Braga was putting orthodox pressure on us. We had to move the ball better. If we manage to have more possession it will be important. It was the only piece we were missing and if we had it there would be more balance in our game.”



Because changes change the image: “It’s something I’ve emphasized to my footballers. In all the matches we have played, the players coming off the bench have helped us. This shows how much spirit there is in the team. Of course when someone doesn’t play he’s sad, but he knows that the team comes first. This shows that there is unity in the locker room and belief in the team’s goals. They put it above their personal goals.”

About whether he would prefer to stay on the Avenue: “I can’t answer that for you (ss. laughs). First of all, you know that Leoforos has an incredible aura. As a football player in Iraklis I had played against Panathinaikos in OAKA. I am very happy that the sheet will be there after all these years. It may not be our natural environment but we will make it.”

About how important it is that the team does not give up until the end: “I think that last year too we had several games where in the end we scored and we were justified. It is a belief of the players that we can do it. It’s not easy to stay focused when you have so many difficulties. Our reaction is always correct. My players stick to one way of playing and that rewards us in the end. Well done for them. I am very happy that they are fighting until the end and in a rational way.”

On whether the goal will make a difference in the end: “Even if the score ended 2-0, my team would try again. At 2-1 not too much changes as Braga have the lead. We could have played better today and we will try to do that. From a psychological point of view it can help, but we always have a team against us that can punish our every mistake.”