Jovanovic: ‘Rennes tough opponent – Our fans made even OAKA look small’

In her details Wren what Panathinaikos should watch out for, Ivan Jovanovic said at the press conference ahead of the match of the third group stage of the Europa League.

The coach of the “trefoil” focused on the enthusiasm of the young team that his team will face tomorrow (Thursday 26/10), while commenting on the confidence that his players have shown so far.

In addition, he referred to the potential “attendance” given by the Panathinaikos fans to the European games held at OAKA, characteristically saying that they made the Olympic Stadium look small.

In detail, what he said at the press conference:

For the derby and whether the team has been affected: “Things did not develop as we expected, so that I can say that the preparation is complete. We had to adapt to the facts and these days live with the thought that an important game is coming. In these few days we should be able to prepare in all respects. I think we will be fine and face the game in the best possible way.”

For Ren’s confidence and dynamism: “They are a team for 122 years. A team that has the best academies in France, maybe in Europe in terms of youth. It boasts a tremendous job in terms of football development, players who make a mark in European football. They are traditionally a respectable team, full of energy, with a plan that is footballingly sound. He has my respect because he achieves things through the basic principles of football. It produces its players. I had players from Rennes in my career, I understand their mentality, their professionalism. We should not look at the team based on the names, these can be acquired with the money. Rennes is a mirror of healthy engagement with football. They always are and remain a good and interesting team to watch and face.

From the beginning of the qualifiers we showed in all the matches that we want to claim all the matches. We never lacked confidence. There have been games that haven’t gone well, especially in Europe, but it’s never been about confidence. European games are played at different speeds. Especially the teams from France are teams whose league is more demanding. From that alone, every game is a breakthrough. I’m sure it will happen tomorrow too. If we want a good result we have to push ourselves as a team. We can do it and we are very willing to do it.”

For the return to the Avenue and whether it is an advantage or not: “These two games we gave to OAKA and with the fans we had were very good home. It was an Olympic stadium full. Leoforos is our natural home, but the fans’ ability to come is limited. It is a pity. We are losing a huge number of fans from all over the country who could come. It limits us a lot. In general, I think that the seats at this level do not play an important role. I’m sorry, though, because we can’t accommodate more people. It’s a shame not to be in this game in OAKA, it would definitely be like the previous ones. The fans of Panathinaikos proved that they want to come and watch the team. They made the Olympic Stadium look small.”

For the tactical approach: “Every team has some elements that they rely on in terms of how to approach. Like us, so is Rennes, we are both teams that have a specific plan, for such a game that is important for both of us. It’s a very demanding game. Ren is a team that is very strong, disciplined, focused, energetic, enthusiastic. Most of the players are at a good footballing age. It will require a lot more concentration tomorrow than any other game.”

For Juancar: “I talked to him, he is at home resting. This is followed by medication. We certainly can’t count him out tomorrow. I don’t know if we will be able to for Sunday’s game as well. It depends on the doctors and him. Sure, he’s a little worried. It is reasonable. We are by his side and he knows it. We wish him to overcome it as quickly as possible and to return healthy to the field which for a player is the most important.”

For the injuries: “The players we cannot have at our disposal are Magnuson, who will probably miss the whole year, Palmer, he will definitely need at least a month, Jedvai we considered his participation in the match against Olympiacos a risk, because of tomorrow’s , we protected him, I think he will be ok for tomorrow and the problem of Juancar is definitely an issue that concerns us in terms of the position he is fighting for.

Arao has had a good game with Olympiakos for as long as we have been playing. We knew he has elements that can help us if needed as a central defender, he responded well as we played the game. We had no other choice, especially in the stoppers, than to find the solutions from the inside. Always thinking as a team and the ways we can cover the two big losses of central defenders in a few days. Through the team or through the team’s game we will have as few losses as possible and overcome this period as painlessly as possible”.