Declarations as a new technician of Kifissia were made by David Nielsen.
The 47-year-old coach spoke in the best words about the rookie project, but explained that a lot of work is required.
He emphasized that he really wanted to work in our country, noting that in some way he has been Greek all his life.
In detail, what David Nielsen said:
-What are your first thoughts after taking over the technical leadership of Kifissia?
“First of all, I think we have a lot of work to do. The team has many good players. For me the most important thing is to work on the pitch to get better. This is what we need. I’m very happy to be here, I know I’ve come for one reason: to make sure we improve! At the moment, the team has not collected so many points, but I think that during the season there were several moments when Kifisia was unlucky. This can happen naturally in football, it’s normal. So we have to make sure that we perform well on the pitch. We happened to have a few extra days (note: due to the postponement of the 14th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League), so we will take advantage of them to work even more».
-How did you decide to take over the technical leadership of PAE Kifissia? In Denmark the news got a lot of publicity and was considered unexpected for you.
“If anyone knows me, they know that this was a very expected choice. I wanted to work in Greece for a long time. I have a lot of love and respect for the people here. I have a great feeling. I think the Stoiximan Super League is a very underrated league in Europe. It has a lot of good players and the games are very competitive. That’s why I came! I feel that in a way I have been Greek all my life».
-What was the feeling you got from the discussions you had with the president, Mr. Christos Pritsa, and the technical director, Mr. Stefanos Kotsoli?
“The first time I spoke with Mr. Stefanos Kotsoli was via video call. It was a very short conversation. After two minutes he sent me a message and asked if I can travel to Greece. And so I immediately got on the plane! What Kifissia has achieved in recent years is fantastic. I realize that at the moment, everyone thinks we are in a bad season because we haven’t collected many points. But if you look at it another way, Kifisia are in a great moment because they have won promotion in back-to-back seasons and are now in the Stoiximan Super League. I know how everyone feels!
I recognize that everyone wants everything to go perfectly, every moment. But at the same time, when you climb a mountain, sometimes you have to take a small step back to continue the climb. Now, the job of all of us is to make sure that the step back is very small and will provide the impetus to continue the rise.
When I spoke to the chairman, I quickly realized the hard work he has put into the club, how much Kifisia means to him. So I wanted to come to help him.
I made this decision with my heart and soul. I know that in football it is important that the people you work with and cooperate with match your character, that they motivate you and believe in you. Stefanos was fantastic in what we discussed and what they have accomplished with this team is great.
Now it is important to understand that, while everyone says that the team is not doing well, Kifisia is living a historic season. The path it has taken in recent years is very impressive, it is an inspiration and it gives to other teams, which are in lower categories in the country. This is what keeps football alive! In my opinion, stories like Kifisia’s are created by hard work and the good people within it.».
-Before the contracts were even signed, you asked to travel to Crete to watch the Betsson Greek Cup match against OFI. Why did you do it?
“When I feel like I’m in something special, that motivates me, like now in Kifissia, then I don’t stop anywhere! I want to see, to feel. That’s why it was important for me to be there, for the game. So it was a natural decision, based on my character».
-How would you describe the team you want to see on the pitch?
“We know how important what we are doing is. I know very well that the Greeks are a people who never give up. They are always looking ahead and evolving, regardless of the difficulties and situations they experience. So we must have the same mental approach in the team. In football you can lose one match, or win another. But the most important thing is to move forward. And that’s something I want to bring to the team. No matter the cost, I’ll get it out of the group. So it is up to us, through the work we will do every week, to bring our quality to the field and acquire the competitive style that will characterize us. We will have to work hard in every training session, fight. But most important of all is to become a team that will be mentally tough and have a positive aura».
Source: Sport Fm
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