Hatzis: “Something very nice is about to happen at the AEK academies”

THE Nikos Hatzis recently took over its development departments AEKwith the former “Union” legend being a guest on EOK WebRadio’s “Live Replay” show, talking about this new venture of his, as well as the goals everyone at the club has with the development of young athletes.

The statements of Nikos Hatzis in detail:



On his decision to take over the development departments of AEK: “Certainly what is going to happen this year at AEK is something very nice. The gentleman who took over as president of the academy, Mr. Zouzoulas, has already announced that he will build two very nice stadiums, state-of-the-art, with air conditioning, with parquet inside, the best that he can currently present in a stadium. Along with the arena, when it’s available, we’ll have three pitches and do whatever we want. The president approached me, we talked, he showed me the academy project. I believe that everyone, including me, will put our passion into making something very nice.”

On the importance of AEK having such facilities: “It is one of the most important things the sports facilities, that the team has its field and at any time can arrange to do its training. Either to a child who wants extra training, or as a group, or when we have a gap from competitive obligations to organize a nice tournament. We can do everything. Once you have two united courts in the same space, you can do whatever you want. We have had discussions to do very nice things.”

On whether this might bring more kids into the team’s academies: “This is the purpose, apart from the facilities, to combine the proper education of the children so that they develop nicely. This is the best. Facilities and education is the most important thing at young ages. To work and a new child “jumps out” every time”.

To connect the academies with the men’s section: “There is an absolute connection with KAE. Mr. Zouzoulas is next to the president, they have worked together, he is an AEK player and he loves the team very much. So there is direct communication with our men’s team. If a kid can help the men’s team and be helped, be worth a chance, it’s straight up. At the moment we don’t have guys of that level that they can go straight into the first team and help, but that’s our job, little by little to build this whole plan.”

For the Men’s National Team: “The national team showed us the way, made us believe in it even more after many years. Coach Spanoulis gave another “breath” to the team, showed the path they should follow and the commitment the children should have, on and off the court, and if they play proper basketball, in defense and attack. This is what we collected. I believe that day by day, until they reach the official ones, they will be even more ready. I think we will do very well. We have difficult opponents, but we are also very difficult for our opponent. The guys showed us that they play good basketball and they are ready. Even if we fail in a shot or a detail, we will still have played good basketball.”