Aitor: “We are much better than last year, I’m glad I stayed this summer”

A very interesting interview Aitor Kantalapierda is hosted in, the match program of tomorrow (27/2, 19:30) derby Panathinaikos-AEK.

The Spanish ace of the “greens” spoke about the big match, the course of Panathinaikos this year, his personal performance, his future, but also his life in Greece.

Aitor’s interview in detail:



-The regular season is heading towards the final and it is time for the derby with AEK. It is a match of prestige but also of scoring importance as victory is necessary. What is the situation of the team before this important match?

“We feel good and we are optimistic and determined. My view is that the team is playing well. But when the ball does not want to go in, then there is a problem. Unfortunately, we do not finish the games properly when we have the opportunity. So we need to be more focused to finish the phases we create in order to score and close our games well. What is clear, however, is that we have faith in our game and we are quite optimistic because we play good football. “.

-So you think that the inefficiency of the team in some games is mainly related to the lack of concentration in specific phases, either in defense or in attack?



“Yes, I believe that, but that’s the way football is. Of course we know that we do not score easily. And if you do not score a goal, you do not earn points. But I will say that we would be much more concerned if we did not create opportunities, if we did not have possession of the ball, if we did not dominate the game, if we did not have the appetite to fight on the field. And these are all elements that we have improved this year. From the first minute we enter the match determined to impose our game and in order to take advantage of the opportunities… “.

-You mentioned the football improvement of Panathinaikos in the last months. Given that you are spending the second season in the team, and having experienced from the inside last season, as a player, do you strongly feel this difference in the game of Panathinaikos?

“Of course, there is no doubt about that. I believe that this year compared to last year, we have really prevailed in all the games. We are much better as a team… ».

-In the game of the first round with AEK in OAKA, Panathinaikos was obviously superior, had the big phases but finally lost. Is the game of the Avenue, among other things, an opportunity for a small rematch?



“We were better indeed, but we did not get anything from the game. The three points were won by the opponents. But we know what to do and we know their strengths and weaknesses. We have to come back to the field dedicated and focused on our goal from the first second. You do not play the derbies, you win the derbies… ».

-In that match you had a huge opportunity to score, but as football has shown us many times, everything comes in and everything is lost. Is that phase an additional motivation for you to fight with even greater stubbornness?



“This is football. Even Messi and Cristiano lose! So everyone can lose them. The truth is that it was an unfortunate moment, but it belongs to the past. Now we will look, and I personally, to do everything in the game that is coming to win “.

-We see that as time goes by you increase your performance, you score, you share assists, you have an active role in the team, you take initiatives. How does Aitor feel on the pitch?



“I feel very good! And the team, beyond the results, I see that it has made progress in its game. I really feel very good on the pitch and I think that is visible. It looks! I believe that our tactics and the way we play in general help me to feel good and comfortable and I hope we continue to play good football to achieve all the goals we have set as a team. “.

-Where do you like to play more on the field?



“I like to move between the lines and always be in touch with the ball…”.

-Last summer was a bit strange for you as there were scenarios about your departure from the team. But you stayed and now you have a leading role. How did you experience that period and what followed?



“Summer is over! But really, at that time I was not well on a spiritual level after the previous season which was very bad for me and for everyone. However, our coach, Jovanovic, is a coach who really likes to play football, good football. I really liked the idea he has for the game. And I really feel very good at Panathinaikos. I like being here and I’m very happy to be here “.

-How is your life in Athens?



“I’m having a good time! I am very pleased. I am with my wife and my dog ​​and we are having a good time. The weather is nice and the city is beautiful… ».

-How does your free time flow outside of football and away from training?



“I like going for walks with my wife, with my dog. I like to enjoy Greek life. Drinking a coffee outside in the sun with friends. But in general I like the quiet life. I am a man of the house. I like to watch movies and spend my hours calmly “.

-Favorite cuisine?



“The Italian!”.

-And from Greek food, what do you like most?



“The barley…”.

-Do you watch other sports or do you only prefer football?



“I watch American football! I also really like basketball and I watch the Euroleague. I am generally an athlete, I like all sports “.

-At the end of the season, what will Aitor be satisfied with in terms of team and individual goals?



“My personal goals are the goals of the team. It is therefore important for the team to succeed in its goals from the personal goal of a player. I believe that we can achieve a key goal which is the return of Panathinaikos to the European competitions but also to the Cup where we are already in the semifinals “.