Papadopoulos: “Asteras fans should feel proud – The return of Rastavacs changed our psychology”

THE Nikos Papadopoulos speaking to arcadiasports.gr took stock of the year and talked about his return Milan Rastavacbut also his Pavlos Gotsi to Asteras.

In addition, the Greek goalkeeper wished the world for the new year to find the world that leads to world peace.

His statements:

How do you judge the year so far? An account of the team’s progress so far.

2023 was a strange year for Asteras. In the second half of the last football season, the team was not in good shape and far from the standards that its fans are used to. The important thing, of course, was that the team essentially did not risk anything but mathematics and managed to be in the First National League for the 17th consecutive season, which is a great achievement for any provincial team.

In the first half of the current football season the team is back to normal and only looking ahead. In other words, the team is very close to its main goal, i.e. the quick securing of its stay in the division and its appointment for the 18th consecutive year in the top division of our country next year and if it is done from January already and it is in the first favorite for taking 6th place and entering the playoffs.

In the Cup, unfortunately, the very difficult draw does not allow us to chase a big distinction and here to emphasize that the world must show patience because the team is in a transition period and in my opinion is not yet ready to chase two big goals at the same time. For me, the team must concentrate with all its strength on the very fast stay and on the hunt for entry into the playoffs.

What has Rastavac’s return changed in the team?

The return of Mr. Rastavacs brought a calmness, a normality and an identity to the group. We are working very hard on the tactical side to improve the team in all areas but this takes time – nobody in football has a magic wand to make a team the way they want it all at once. Mr. Rastavacs has also changed the psychological part which is very important. We should also emphasize the return of Mr. Gotsis, who for me is one of the best gymnasts I have worked with. He has contributed a lot to the team to have top level runs in the field. I would also like to say a thank you to Mr. Tseliopoulos for the last 6 years we have had a very good and successful collaboration.

Based on the work that has been done, what else can we expect from the team from now on? What would you like to see improved?

What I can promise is that the team will continue to improve and grow. Success depends on many factors and some of them you don’t even control. So no one can guarantee a success but it is important to constantly chase progress. The pursuit of progress I can promise. I would like to see more consistency in the future in all areas of our game and for me personally. I would like the team to concede more difficult goals and score more easily. I would also like us to become more responsible because personal mistakes this year have deprived us of some points. But I firmly believe that we are on the right track.

Can you remember what is, for you, your best save for 2023 and why?

I will say the recent match against Panserraikos for the championship, because it was at the end of the game, it gave us the 3 points and raised us quite a bit in the standings.

A wish for the new year, for the world in general but also the world of the team?

My wish is for the world to see which road leads to world peace and I want to say to the fans that they should be proud of Asteras because their path ranks them as one of the most successful provincial teams.