Gedvai: “Panathinaikos has quality, character and experience – We can win the championship”

Statements on the official website of Panathinaikos were made by the Croatian central defender as part of the Match Program for the match of the 3rd matchday of the Europa League groups against Rennes.

The experienced stopper spoke about his career so far, his stay in Greece, the way he adapted to Panathinaikos, and his impressions of the Greek league.

What Tin Gedwai said in detail:

After two games in the Europa League groups, Panathinaikos is undefeated and in first place in the standings. With this data, what is the importance of the match against Rennes for the team?

“I think the game against Rennes is the most important for us. We are at the top of the standings and we have the opportunity, if we win, to create more distance from our opponents. This might make our job a little easier in the next three matches.”

What image do you have of Ren?

“Ren is a good and strong team that has many good units in its roster. This is a team that plays well and has had an excellent presence in recent years. It appears to be in good condition. But we have so far shown that we are a team that can fight against any European team. We played well in all the games we played from the summer until today and showed the great potential we have as a team.”

What should Panathinaikos pay attention to?

“It is very important to stay focused. We have to build and pay attention to even the little details to finish the game when we get the chance.”

Now having a clearer picture of the group and the rest of the teams, do you think qualification is possible?

“For us, the goal was clear from the first moment. We respect everyone but fear no one. And we have shown it so far. It doesn’t matter who we’re up against. We showed it in the Champions League qualifiers, we also showed it in the first group matches of the Europa League. I believe our team has the quality to go through to the next round and make a good European run.”

What comes across is that as a team you are really enjoying this European competition process. How are you experiencing this year’s European experience?

“It is always a great privilege to compete in the European Cups. If we look at it as a whole in football, there are more teams that do not play in Europe compared to those that do. Therefore, it is a privilege for us to be in this position but at the same time it is also a challenge for all of us to show what we can achieve. It is an opportunity to represent our team, our country and Greece as the country of Panathinaikos, at a higher level and to a bigger audience. So it is very important for everyone to be in the best possible condition. At the same time we have to enjoy the moment because it is not something that happens often. We have made a difficult journey with many sacrifices to be here. So now that we have this opportunity we want to live it as best as possible.”

The team returns to the Avenue for a European game and is sure to be hot. How does it feel to play on the Avenue?

“To tell you the truth, I prefer the Avenue to the Olympic Stadium. And I think everyone on the team feels that way. It’s our field, it’s our home. Certainly the Olympic Stadium is nice to play because there are always more people, but the Avenue is different. The fans are close to us and the feeling is unique…”

Having now a clear picture of this year’s Panathinaikos, what do you like about the team?

“First of all, I think the biggest advantage we have as a team is that we have a lot of good players, who at any time can come into the starting line-up and perform extremely well. It’s a great privilege to be able to do a wide rotation when you have a match every three days. In terms of our game, I like that we are dominant and that we have a clear plan of what we want on the pitch and what we need to pay attention to. Our greatest weapon, our strength, is when we all work together. When we are one, we fear no adversary…”

What are your first impressions of the Greek league?

“It’s a pretty strong league. Especially for a team like Panathinaikos, it is not easy because there is always the expectation and the right for the victory and the three points. In a sense, you are not allowed to lose points. I think we are doing well and have got a good rhythm, although we have had some losses in the derbies. Certainly the action peaks in the playoffs, where the title is decided. For our part, however, we must try to get there with the best possible position and with as many points as possible in order to claim the title.”

Just like last season, the title chase looks like a four-way race. Do you think the champion will be decided in the details?

“All four of the main contenders play in Europe and we have one game every three days. So it will be a very interesting season to see which team will endure and have the most energy, the most concentration and the ability to close the season in the best way. I don’t know the other teams well but we have a lot of depth in the roster with good and quality solutions.”

Injuries to Magnuson and Palmer Brown certainly make this a tough season for the team as rotation options are limited, but also quite demanding for you and Schenkefeld. How do you deal with the situation?



“It’s something sad and something we didn’t want and didn’t expect, but we have to deal with it. It’s one more reason for me and Bart to take extra care of our bodies. Let’s be extra careful to stay healthy to help the team.”

How was the adaptation to Panathinaikos?

“I feel really good. I feel like I’m at home. There are several players and the coach, who speak my language, but also all the other guys in the team welcomed me very warmly. We have a very good atmosphere every day in the training center and also on trips when we play away from home. This is not trivial. Out of the seven days of the week we spend 4-5 days together at the hotel and on trips. So it’s very important to have that connection and that good chemistry. We all have a good time together and that helps the team as a whole. We all have a common goal: to get good results and win something at the end of the season. I’m very happy with the team, with the way we train, with how we analyze and prepare for the next game.”

How is Tin away from the pitch? How do you spend your time;

“I’m very relaxed. I like to enjoy the time I have. I love spending time with my wife and our two dogs. We go for walks whenever we can. The season is tough and we don’t get much time with our families because of the back-to-back games. We try to enjoy every moment we are together. Even sleeping in our own bed and not in the hotel is important. I often spend time with my teammates outside the field. We meet with our families and try to relax. Mainly when I’m away from the pitch I want to relax, rest and get the games and results out of my mind. I think it’s good to recharge your batteries.”

How is life in Greece?

“I like life in Greece. It reminds me a lot of the way of life in Croatia, especially for people who live near the sea. I really like the weather. It’s something incredible. It’s still summer! The weather in Greece is amazing! Sometimes I miss the rain in matches or training, it gives a nice feeling on the pitch. As for people, I like that Greeks are passionate and emotional. In general the style of life, the city, the weather, everything is very nice.”

What sports do you watch?

“I really like basketball and of course football. Mostly these are the ones I watch when I have time and I’m not tired. I already went to a Panathinaikos basketball game and it was a nice experience. But the result was not good for us. Unfortunately, we lost to Olympiakos. But, just like in football, like in basketball, it’s a long season and the team will get its revenge (laughs).”

Is the goal of returning to the Croatian National Team through Panathinaikos something in your mind?

“To be honest, my main goal is one, and that is Panathinaikos. The national team is always something you win through your team, so the priority and what you have in mind is your team. I don’t think so. If it happens, well it happens and I will be happy but my mind is on my team. Because at the end of the day if you are not good with your team you will not be called to the National Team. So all my thinking and all my commitment is to my team…”

Having served alongside legends such as Luka Modric and Francesco Totti, what do you keep from your co-existence?

“We are talking about two real legends, two of the best footballers of all time in their position. You feel proud and respect the moments you spent with them. You try to take something from everything you lived next to them, how they behave and how they train. You respect their greatness. Two fantastic players! I wish that every football player has the opportunity even once to be in the same team with such personalities. It’s a privilege to share the same field and train and play with them. I sincerely wish for Luca to continue to fight for many years. He is still here and he has…”

After such a great career with the Croatian National Team he could have retired from the National Team but he remains a “soldier”…

“He lifted the weight on his backs. He knows how important he is to the team, to the country, to the world and he will be present and playing in the national team for as many years as he remains in professional football. There is boundless respect for him. Real Madrid is another story, I don’t want to go into it. There are a lot of young players coming up but even there I’m sure he will be a mentor for everyone. I know that he does not envy anyone and that he is there to help everyone. It is good to have him in the team and I think that in the end, when it comes time for the important matches of Real Madrid, he will be up front to lead the team as he has done in all the previous years. I really wish him the best…”

And he closed by saying: “When I was coming, it was clear in my mind that we will continue in Europe. I had no doubt about it. He just had to clarify in which event. I didn’t see anywhere that there was a possibility of us losing this part. Regarding the championship, I think that Panathinaikos should return to the top. It’s been a while and we all really want it. The team has quality, character, experience. We can do it”