THE Panathinaikos was defeated 2-1 and even with a reversal from him Fearless in Leoforo, in the first game between them for the quarter-finals of the Betsson Greek Cup.
THE Fatih Terim emphasized, among other things, at the press conference that despite the good image presented by the team, the positive result did not come, saying that as long as his players play like this, no one should worry about the future.
Fatih Terim’s statements in detail:
On the fact that Panathinaikos did not win despite creating many opportunities and making his best start during his tenure: “We made a good start, we also found the goal. And in the 25th minute we found the first goal in our goal. It is true that there were 11 players who played together for the first time, but I also wanted to see how we would react. We had good chances, we should have scored them. If such opportunities are missed, it is logical that such a result will come. In general, in both halves, we had a good game, better statistics, but we had to find the score. They all found opportunities, we even missed the penalty. But I can say we had a good game, we played well. Especially over a period of time, we played really well. Of course, nothing is over yet, things just got more difficult. But we have the ability to do everything in the second match.”
On the fact that he will not have a relaxed game in the second leg between the derbies with PAOK, Olympiakos and that Ilic considers Panathinaikos the favorite for qualification: “It is true that we made things more difficult. It is very likely that we had more in mind the upcoming game against PAOK. Some may have had in their minds that they would pass the race easily. I want to win every match, but there was a good fight on the field and from the opponent. Congratulations to them too, I can’t put them down, they played well. I respect them. But we have had so many chances in both halves, even with a draw, we would have been upset. As I said, we made things more difficult, but we are Panathinaikos. Anyway, we have to make it.”
On the missed opportunities of Panathinaikos: “One day before the game we spoke with Fotis, he said “to play 20 minutes before PAOK”. I didn’t want to risk him in the first place. As you know both Alex and Sporar are injured. Or we would put Mancini or Djursic and Bacacetta (s.s. at the top). We also found opportunities with Aitor, Mancini and Bernard. With all. There were too many crosses from both sides and the striker can use them well. If the score was different, we would be talking about other things. But we had some opportunities that you don’t need to be a striker to take advantage of. I am happy with the game we played today. As long as Panathinaikos plays like this, there is no need to be sad. We will be upset whenever necessary. We have to get this game over us and move on. Vitor, Bacachetas, Dragovski was a good opportunity to see them. We have to play the PAOK match, against Olympiakos. Although it was their first appearance, they adapted well but I’m very unhappy that we lost.”
On whether he considers Arao more as a “6” or a stopper: “Arao is a “6” his starting position, but he also plays as a “4”, 5″. We can use it everywhere. He’s been playing six games in a row, so I took him out earlier. The injured create another problem, more burden falls on the other players. There are players who have played 5-6-7 times in a row. All the wounded must come back and we’ll see how we do.”
For the derby with PAOK, which has the best defense and attack in the league: “We know all the opponents we have and prepare accordingly, but I have nothing to worry about as coach of Panathinaikos. We will go out and play without fear, without thinking about anything else. Whatever the result, we’re going to come out and play. We know very well that playing on the field, the results will come. We respect the opponents and we want to play well and enjoy it. Even without fans, we know we will be playing away from home. It is a very important match, but we will play such matches all the time. We have to get used to such games, to think, to know what we will do but we must not be afraid of such games. To play without fear of losing. That’s why I’m not worried about anything. Of course we may lose, but we will do everything to avoid losing.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
