In the middle of Russia he spoke Yuri Lodiginwith the Panathinaikos goalkeeper revealing that the doctors at the derby did not want him to continue in the game after his injury, while also referring to Ivan Jovanovich.
In particular, the 33-year-old mentioned that the Serbian coach had told him that this season he would play more and he kept his promise, while he also revealed whether he would like to end his career in the “clover”.
Everything he said in detail:
“Everything went well. I wasn’t dizzy or anything. It just so happened that my teammate hit me in the head with his elbow. The doctors didn’t want me to continue the match at all because the cut was huge – after the match I had 8-9 stitches. But now, fortunately, I feel good.”
When asked if it was his decision to continue: “Yes. Again because they didn’t want me back on the field. There was no way they could close the cut without a lot of blood. But then they did everything for me with some kind of stapler – I don’t even know what it’s called. I asked the doctors to do everything possible to continue in the race and I continued.”
Without consequences for your health?
“No. As I stood up, I asked for a minute to look around at the light. Let’s see if I’m seeing double. But everything was fine. Gradually I felt better, although my head hurt.”
About his appearance, he said: “I think we should have won during the game – we had more concrete chances. We were better than Olympiakos from the start. I also want to say thank you to my teammates in the penalty shootout – they scored with confidence. We didn’t score (in normal time), but that’s normal. We were forced to pass.”
To renew his contract until 2026: “I came here as the best goalkeeper in the league. I always have ambitions and will have them until the end of my career. I love soccer. At the time I transferred, the team already had a goalkeeper with whom they won the Cup. I expected. But, actually, I didn’t have the chance. The coach himself later admitted: “I should have given Lodingin more chances. He deserves to play more”.
About what changed and when: “I never went to talk to the manager, but last summer I went and said: ‘I came here to play and help.’ The coach explained that it was difficult for him to choose the moment to put me in the starting line-up. And then he promised to let me play more in the new season – and he kept his promise. I had played in about five or six matches when the offer came to sign a new contract.”
If he thinks he will end his career at Panathinaikos: “Now no, I don’t see it. Completing my contract with Panathinaikos means I will be 36. If my health allows, I will play more. Here or somewhere else, I don’t know. I will try to be at the highest level. I’m trying for that.”
On whether his status at the club has changed with the arrival of Fatih Terim: “My role in the team was changing even before Terim arrived. When he arrived, the team was in transition and that kind of pushed us up. Perhaps Terim has not yet had time to change the team’s tactical game, but it is clear that the results are good. And, of course, it’s clear that the coach has a lot of experience with all his trophies.”
On what it’s like to work with such a legendary coach: “It’s a great experience and very enjoyable.”
If he follows the progress of the other Russians in Greece: “First of all, I am very happy that Russian football players are coming to Greece. For example, I spoke with Dzhagoev exactly on the day he was going to sign a contract with Lamia. Then the agent handling his transfer called me. I talked to Shapi, Maga (Ozdoev). The children are happy, it’s very nice. Only in the matches against Panathinaikos I would not like to see such performances from them (laughs). If we score against PAOK, I will celebrate like Ozdoev: on my knees with the same movement. I’m kidding of course…”.
While on whether he is thinking of returning to Russia at some point to fight again: “I will always have the opportunity to return to Russia. At the moment I have a contract for two seasons with Panathinaikos, then we’ll see. But I know that if I came back, it would be for Zenit.”
Source: Sport Fm
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