One of her big gains National team in the match against the Netherlands it was his appearance Fotis Ioannidis. His fore Panathinaikouwho unimaginably troubled the defense of “Oranie”, spoke to News Bulletin 247 and Michalis Tsocho about the great effort of the Greek team, speaking of a change of mentality in its ranks.
At the same time, he referred to his duels with Van Dijk and Ake showing that he felt no fear towards them, while explaining how he acted in the phase of the big chance of the second half.
Finally, he noted that this year’s Panathinaikos it is superior to last year having more quality and more depth.
In detail, Fotis Ioannidis spoke to Michalis Tsochos about:
-his first thought today after yesterday’s match with the Netherlands: “I woke up with a disappointment. We felt we had the potential to take that step, but unfortunately we didn’t get the details right. If one of the phases we had had scored a goal, it would have been us who would have taken the win. Unfortunately, we didn’t succeed.”
– the tactical approach of the National team against the Netherlands: “There was a specific plan. Holland forced us to play further back. Their level is very high and you have to learn to suffer a little. In the end we took measures on the field, we showed that we could be threatening and we could get the victory”.
-whether he perceives the improvement of the National team: “The national team has made leaps and bounds and we can see it on the field. We have managed to face high level teams and look them in the eye. I think the mentality has changed, we have set high goals, we believe in ourselves and what matters is how we approach the games.”
-his own performance: “I analyze it as much as I can, to see my mistakes and what I did right. Football players do this to become better.”
– the duels with Van Dijk and Ake: “I only spoke to Van Dijk a little at the end, I didn’t deal much with Ake. I felt good for Ake and tried to stay on his side. I felt that I had him, that I was in a better state. I feel like I can take on any defender. Van Dijk is by far the best defender on the planet. He shouts all over the pitch, controls everything and has great skills. You sometimes feel that you have no hope against him, but I didn’t think like that yesterday and yesterday I managed to make it difficult for him in some cases. I wasn’t afraid of him, because this is the level I want to fight and fight in the future. If I show fear, it means I can’t compete at this level and I didn’t show fear.”
-his very good form: “I feel that I am in the best phase of my career. I never had a doubt in myself that I wouldn’t be able to show it and the point was to show it at the highest level. I want to do it to help my teams. Either Panathinaikos or the National team”.
-the elements in which it has improved: “You realize for yourself the elements you need to improve. You see them, the coaches or analysts of your team explain them to you. In the last year I had found some weaknesses in my movements in the final third, how to open up space, help my teammates and be in positions to score. It’s something I worked on and continue to work on, just like my graduation.”
-the creation in the game of: “I felt like I had that element. I want to become one with the team in the movement of the ball and help as much as I can. Through this, the final passes also come out, something I’ve had since I was little.”
-the phase that ended without giving Masoura a pass: “I will never think of scoring the goal myself when there is a team-mate in a better position, it doesn’t cross my mind. If I saw an easy pass, of course I would give the pass. Maybe I should have taken a calmer step and looked for the pass. When I got there I felt that with a pinch I could score. The ball was also sliding a lot, not that I’m making any excuses… During training I had done two such phases and they came out, but this time the ball didn’t go where I wanted. Goalkeepers often don’t wait for the phase to end on the run.”
– the misplaced head he had: “The ball was higher and I couldn’t send it where I wanted. Maybe if I stood up a little higher. It was a shame, because it was a nice phase.”
-the year full of demanding games: “Of course, physical condition plays a role and being physically as good as you can. There must also be recovery. Through the games you have to improve, there is strain but that is our job. You have to give everything.”
-how he mentally manages the continuous matches: “Personally, I leave everything that happens behind me, whether it’s success or failure. The only way to forget a failure is to move on and the only way to have success again is to leave the previous one behind. We have a lot of games and personally I like that because you always have challenges in front of you.”
-how much better and mature he considers this year’s Panathinaikos: “I think we are better as a team. Game by game we will bring out other virtues on the field. We have a bigger roster and that plays an important role, because there are too many games. I believe that we will show an even better face in the future”.
-whether Panathinaikos has changed its plan this year: “The plan doesn’t change much. It’s about the quality, which has gone up, as well as the number of players they can offer. One player leaving and another coming in, with the quality remaining the same or getting better, is important.”
-whether he is thinking about the Euro qualification playoffs from now on: “We have an important game against France, from which we have to gain a lot and learn things for the future. It’s too early to talk about the playoffs now.”
Listen to the interview of Fotis Ioannidis at 94.6:
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.
