Bernard: “Happy to help the team – Everything to win with AEK”

Bernard admits how happy he is with his last performances in his statements on the occasion of yesterday’s great victory, pointing out that this is because he manages to help Panathinaikos.

“For me it’s always very important to give assists, to score and I’m happy to be here“, he initially states and continues: “What I did last year might not have resulted, might not have translated into numbers, but I will continue to work in exactly the same way, to do everything in the best possible way to bring the best result for Panathinaikos”.

What Bernard said in detail:

How important was this win for the group stage?

“It’s always important to start by winning in these kinds of events. We knew how difficult this match would be, but we were playing at home, in front of all our fans, and it was very important to be able to get these three points. So we concentrated well for this match, we studied our opponent well and thank God we took advantage of the opportunities we had. With them we were able to score and win.”



What has made you feel so good at the start of this year and we are seeing such a different player on the pitch?



“I am very happy on a personal level. For me it’s always very important to give assists, to score and I’m happy to be here. I focused too much on my finals, whether it’s passing or shooting. What I did last year may not have resulted, may not have translated into numbers, but I will continue to work in exactly the same way, to do everything in the best possible way to bring the best result for Panathinaikos.



Has the existing competition helped you?



“I’m never the player who gives up and stops working. Whether there is competition or not, I always “fight” and work. But competition is important for the whole team. When we have a team with quality, then what is best is the tendency for all the players to want to improve together.”



Does the victory against Villarreal, which is considered the favorite for the first place, give you confidence for the continuation in the group, as well as for the upcoming derby with AEK?



“We know what it means to play against difficult opponents, we know what a difficult game means. We know of course that we should rest and prepare well for the next matches. This definitely gives us a lot of confidence and we know that through this team, which is so good, we can succeed. We have to keep this level and continue the hard work.”



Did you miss a goal or an assist tonight? Are you saving them for Monday?



“It’s very nice in every game to score, get assists and all that. Every day I work to be able to reach these results. Today I wasn’t given the chance to be able to do it, but maybe in the next race I will have that chance.”



How did you experience the full OAKA that was combined with victory and what message are you sending for Monday?



“The fans were very pleased and satisfied. No doubt this helps us too. It is important to have our fans by our side in the next match, which is also another difficult match. I hope that we, as a team, will do our best and win the three points.”