Darida: “Our goal should be the playoffs – the loss of the Cup is extra motivation”

Securing a place that will lead to the playoffs of the new league season is the goal that Aris should set. This was pointed out by Vladimir Darida pointing out that everyone in the team should think positively, work hard and the loss of the Cup should be an extra motivation.

The statements in detail…

-How easy or difficult was it for the team to come back after the lost final and what are the motivations and expectations for the coming season?

“It was a very difficult period for everyone. Especially the first days after the lost final. For two weeks I sat in silence in my house and did not feel well about everything that happened. Then I started thinking about the new year, the goals we should have. We must think positively, learn from what happened and not make the same mistakes again. I hope the new year will be good.”

-What should be the goal of Mars?

“He is clear. Let’s be in the first four teams and play in the Playoffs and claim honors.”

-You were again first in the ergometrics, this of course is not a surprise. Want to share your secret?

“What can I say, I don’t know, that’s just me! The tests are not important though. It matters what you show on the field, because the tests don’t bring the results and distinctions. We have to score goals and play good football.”

-You have played over 420 games in your career, with many referees… How can a player feel when he is sent off in a final without even having fouled the opponent?

“It was very tough. I knew I couldn’t change the decision because it was a second yellow card and there wouldn’t be a VAR check. I was very disappointed. It was sad. I don’t want to think about it anymore because it’s in the past and I have to focus on next season.”

– Do you think that compared to last year when the team did not prepare outside of Thessaloniki, this year, which is in Ptolemaida and then will go to the Netherlands, will help them to be better?

“I think the way we’re doing it this year is better for us. The fact that we are here in Ptolemaida at the facilities of Mr. Pantelidis. It is better that we are away from Thessaloniki, because we can be focused and work harder. We are working well during this time. And of course the second stage of preparation is very important, because we will also have the friendly games. In general for the whole team, I think we are working well, we are on the way we should be and I think when it is necessary the team will be ready”.

For the loss of the Cup:

“The loss of the Cup should act as an extra motivation for the new season. It is important that people understand that for us it was not a simple game that we lost. We all wanted very much to win the Cup and we were disappointed. This could be a motivation for us, to show that we want to fight and why not get to the point of playing in the Cup final again. I think this is an extra motivation for us. Through this loss, let’s come out strong and prove that we deserved something better.”