Sporar: “Stronger this year – The competition with Ioannidis is welcome”

Slovenian Meso came to Leoforo for the sake of the team’s three internationals who play in Panathinaikos. Andraz Sporar spoke to his compatriots about this year’s attempt to win the title after the inglorious finale of the last season, as well as the competition with Fotis Ioannidis.

“What does not kill you makes you stronger. It didn’t kill us. We gained more motivation to come back and prove that we are the best in Greece. When you’re top for 10 or 11 months, like we were last season, and you end up losing the league, there’s a lot of disappointment. That is why we must do everything to conquer it this year. Last year we started even better, but in the end we lost the title. There is still a long way to go, I would not like to talk about it. If we play like we did tonight, we have a good chance of achieving it“, he said.

As for the competition with Ioannidis, he said:Ioannidis is in terrible condition. He has a bright future ahead of him. Competition is always welcome. It would be strange if he wasn’t at Panathinaikos».

Asked about Ivan Jovanovic’s system with one striker, while playing as a second four for the Slovenian national team, he commented: “When you feel good on the court and have confidence, the system doesn’t really matter. Fortunately, I play in two good teams (Panathinaikos and the Slovenian national team), so it’s easier for me to play. But of course, it’s easier if you have another attacker next to you».

On the Slovenian national team and the goal of qualifying for Euro 2024, Sporar said: “We still have many games with Panathinaikos, including the European ones, but the national team is always on our mind. We have a great opportunity to make history. Slovenia has not played in the final stage of the European championship for 24 years».