It was placed at the disposal of Ivan Jovanovich o Tin Gedwai for its premiere Panathinaikou with the Villarreal in store – as everything shows – OAKA!
The “greens” announced the squad for the match against the Spanish team in the framework of the 1st matchday of the groups Europa League and inside it is the name of the 27-year-old central defender, who completely overcame the injury problem he was facing and put himself on the field for the first time after the home match with Braga for the Champions League playoffs.
On the contrary, the injured man remained outside, George Vagiannidiswho in today’s training (20/09) trained individually at an intense pace.
Also, the Serbian coach will not have the suspended Juancar at his disposal and his place on the left side of the defense will be taken by Filip Mladenovic.
??Squad list for our first @EuropaLeague game!#Panathinaikos #PAOFC #PAOVIL #UEL pic.twitter.com/qcKgTdbcoL
— Panathinaikos FC (@paofc_) September 20, 2023
Jovanovic: “Let’s give the world the nights it deserves and be in Europe in the new year”
THE Ivan Jovanovich speaking at the usual press conference before tomorrow’s match against her opponent Villarreal he praised the Spanish team, at the same time wishing that his team would continue in the European Cups after December.
What Jovanovic said in detail:
About what Panathinaikos should do tomorrow in relation to the last match against Braga: “We gained some experiences from the Champions League qualifiers and that’s what we should be prepared for in a high-tempo game. Villarreal is a very good team. We have to avoid mistakes and try to control the pace. To have balance in the lines. As far as the mood is concerned, we definitely have it and we have shown it. We want to claim victory as in all games. We showed we can do it.”
What Panathinaikos should pay attention to: “We should be careful and know who we are dealing with. Two years ago they won the Europa League and the following season they reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. They are a team with experience of difficult games. Regardless of whether they have not started well, they remain a very good team. In European games, all players want to shine. Game control, composure and avoiding mistakes are very important elements. We will need to run quite a bit as the pace is faster. Our goals and willingness to do something more exist. It’s a tough game. We have respect for our opponent. We are not fooled by the fact that they have some issues. We are prepared for this match against a very good team”.
As for whether it’s extra motivation that he hasn’t won in a group in 13 years: “Do you have something positive to say to me? (s.s. laughs). I don’t think so. This thing happens. Panathinaikos in some seasons wrote history in Europe. So there are periods in football that are not successful. These things happen in groups. My team also showed in the Champions League qualifiers that they can claim their chances in all games regardless of the opponent. That won’t change. The fans’ loyalty to the team is one reason we have come to OAKA. In a stage where Panathinaikos has written golden pages. It inspires us that we will have the world by our side. We have nothing to lose, but we have a lot to gain if we return to the European nights it deserves.”
About the change of coach at Villarreal: “The new coach is from the break of the league. The new coach is trying to do different things than his predecessor. Coaching changes affect each team, but there may be changes. It’s a short time for a manager to change a team. Individually, it is the same team as 2-3 weeks ago. They are a team with quality players who have made strides in Europe and that shows how good they are.”
On how ready the team is for the heavy schedule: “We are ready. We are a team that wanted this. We wanted to have consecutive games and that’s why the roster was strengthened. It’s a test for us. What I hear from the players is that this is a good season. More games and more important games. The emotions are more intense than playing a team game. More matches in full stadiums. It makes us happy.”
For what is the goal of Panathinaikos tomorrow: “It’s definitely different from the knockouts. The group is a battle for points. Our problem is that as a team we cannot and do not want to think and plan a game by saying we want three or one point. We won’t. In every game, whether we are playing at home or away, we will want to win. It is important and we will claim the maximum. Starting tomorrow. It is a way for a team to develop and see the real picture within European football. This will show us what we should do to become better every year. We want to claim the victories. I’m not going to prepare the team for another result.”
Regarding the fact that in Cyprus he is considered the most successful coach who has ever passed the coaching test and whether, based on the fact that even the third will continue in Europe in 2024, while also claiming the championship, he will request further reinforcements in January to achieve his goals: “I’m happy when I hear Cypriots. We spent nice years in Cyprus. I have a great weakness. Panathinaikos as a team has its goals. The championship, the Cup and the course in Europe. We are in a demanding and difficult group and we will try to be in Europe in the new year as well. The summer transfers just finished and I took a deep breath (ss laughs). We have time ahead of us. There are others in the team like Mr. Papadimitriou and the management who will plan things. We have our minds on the game.”
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.
