Ingasson: “I was flattered by the interest of Panathinaikos – I will give everything to achieve our goals”

Tonight (20:00), o Panathinaikos welcomes him on leave due to OAKA punishment Asteras AKTORin the premiere of the two teams in this year’s Stoiximan Super League.

THE Ingie Ingason spoke in the match program of the match, with the Icelandic stopper referring to the premiere of the “greens” in the league, the exclusion from Ajax, but also about how he experiences his presence during this short time he is in the “clover”.

Inge Ingason’s statements in detail:

It’s time for the premiere of the Stoiximan Super League. Always the first game hides pitfalls given the anxiety that exists for a positive start. Having now a clear picture of the quality of this year’s Panathinaikos, are you optimistic about the start?



“It is certainly important that we already have official games under our feet. So we will have a competitive pace as a team. This should give us a slight advantage over Astera who has only given friendly matches so far. As far as we are concerned, it is positive that we have competed in official games. I believe the team is progressing, developing and improving week by week, game by game. We are ready for the start of the league. It is always important to start well and gain confidence at the start of the season. It is positive that we start with a home game and indeed with two consecutive matches at our home. We have the possibility with two wins to create a good momentum and gain momentum ahead of the first weeks of the league.”

It is certainly an advantage for Panathinaikos the rhythm of the games it has acquired due to the European matches with Botev and Ajax. However, is the fact that the team is coming from last Thursday’s very demanding clash with Ajax a disadvantage?

“No, I don’t think it’s a disadvantage. I think we have a lot of depth on the roster. There is a lot of good material in the group. We have before us the challenge of three competitions during the season and we want to reach as high as possible. So we need the required depth and it is important that everyone is ready and gets playing time. It’s the only way because we know the season will be long. There will be injuries, suspensions, absences and it is important that the group is united. Everyone is needed in this effort. There are times when someone may not be playing or on assignment, but there will be times when the team will need him. So, whether you are old or new, at some point the team will need you and you must be ready to contribute. That’s why I insist that the group matters…”.

The game against Ajax in Amsterdam left a bitter taste for the exclusion from the Europa League, but at the same time it showed the enormous potential of this year’s Panathinaikos. What are your feelings after the sensational match at the Johan Cruyff Arena and what is the lesson for the team?



“We played a very good game in Holland against a very strong team like Ajax. This game showed us that we can compete with any team in Europe. Unfortunately, we did not qualify for the next phase of the Europa League but we can be proud of the effort we made. This game should give us confidence going forward. Our attention is now on the showdown with Asteras. We know it won’t be easy because we are coming off a tough 120-minute away game. It will be a demanding test for the team but we all want to start with a win to continue the good momentum we have shown as a team in recent weeks.”



You are new to Panathinaikos but you actually know the league and the opponents. Asteras Tripoli has… a tradition of making Trifyllis difficult, while always in the premiers, especially against teams that have not played official matches, there is a big question mark for the opponent, since the image that exists is only from the summer friendlies. What should the team do to overcome this trap?



“In this case, the most important thing is to focus on ourselves and our team. If we play at the level we can, then we will have the ability to go into every game and win it. This also applies to the match with Asteras. We must believe in ourselves, in our abilities, in the group and in what we are trying to build. We are at the beginning and it is important to start well.”

The Greek league is rather underrated in the football world. After all, there are many who have admitted that they changed their minds while playing in the Super League. What is your opinion on the Greek league and what do you think Panathinaikos should do to play a leading role?



“The Greek league is improving every year. In the last two or three years, four teams are fighting for the title until the end of the race. So it takes a lot of effort and self-sacrifice to reach the top and win the title. However, we have faith in our abilities. We know it will be a difficult season, we know our opponents have strong teams, but we also know our team. We must focus on ourselves. Step by step and week by week we will try to get better. We are at the beginning of a new endeavor. We are a new team, with a new coach and we are in the process of building. Game by game we will get better. The important thing is to find our rhythm, start well and gain confidence. We know we have strong opponents and we don’t want to drop points. The Super League is a very competitive league and you are not allowed to make many mistakes…”.



How do you experience the first period of your presence at Panathinaikos?



“I am very happy to be here. The group is very good and really welcomed me very warmly and with open arms. They all helped me to adapt as soon as possible. Of course I am used to the Greek way of life, which helped me to get into the atmosphere of the team faster. Also, I already knew many of the children from my previous presence in the Greek league. I’m very happy to be back and I’m looking forward to this season. I am really happy because Greece is like my second home. Both I and my family are full of good feelings.”



How do you judge the level of the team? Are you optimistic about achieving Panathinaikos’ goals?



“There is no doubt. We have a very good team. There are many experienced players with good careers who have played at a high level. There are players who have experience from the Greek league and players who have won titles. We also have good young and talented players who are at a good age and have quality. I think we have good chemistry as a group, there is quality and a good mix of experienced and young players. I feel really optimistic about the way the team is going. And this is because I see the good communication that exists between the players and the mood that exists to fight a common battle together. We are all on the same path: players, technical staff and generally everyone who works at the club. We are all united together. Only in this way, and with the help of our fans, can we achieve our goals”.



Compared to the first day you were at Panathinaikos, do you see an improvement in the team?



“Of course. We are a new group with a new coach who brings new ideas. Everyday we work hard to become better. It is certain that game by game and through training we will improve”.



What were the reasons that brought you to Panathinaikos?



“I spent the last year in Denmark and wanted a new adventure in my career. When I learned about the interest of Panathinaikos I felt flattered. From the moment I spoke to the club and the people in the team showed me the role they want me to have in the project, I felt that my place was here. I feel grateful to the president, the administration and those who brought me to Panathinaikos. Now it’s up to me to give it back to them, to give everything for the team to achieve our goals. I have always been honest and the people who know me in Greece know it: I am a fighter and I will give everything – everything I have and what I don’t have – for the team and to achieve our goals. We want to bring success to Panathinaikos. We know what a championship means for Panathinaikos right now. It has been many years since the team was last crowned champion and a title would bring great joy to the fans. The club is doing everything to be at the level needed to challenge for the title. Panathinaikos is on the right track and everyone in the club is fighting for this big goal.”



You spent five years in Greece, you were in Denmark for a year and now back in Greece. What did you miss from our country?



“Several things! I was five years in Greece. Both my children were born here. My daughter is five years old and my son is fifteen months old. It is essentially their home from the moment they are born. Greece is like our second home. We feel comfortable here, we feel good and we’re excited for what’s to come in the future.”



How is life in Athens after spending five years in Thessaloniki?



“Now I’m trying to adapt for the last 2-3 weeks. We are trying to get used to our new neighborhood. We like it and we are happy…”.



How is Ingi off the pitch? How do you spend your time?



“Usually when I’m off the pitch I try to spend time with my family. There are a lot of games, a lot of traveling and when I find time I want to spend it with my wife and our children. I don’t have much time to do other things. I usually try to rest between games and devote myself to family.”



Do you watch football fanatically or try to detox from the ball when you are away from the pitch?



“I was a football fanatic! But with family and obligations, you can’t see everything. Also, when you yourself are professionally involved in the game for so many years, it’s good to get away from football sometimes…”.



Do you like watching other sports? Or just football?



“I like to watch other sports besides football. I like basketball, handball. I generally like watching sports. And during the Olympic Games, whenever I had the chance, I watched. But time is limited…”



What are your goals and dreams with Panathinaikos?



“When you are in a big club like Panathinaikos, the goal is titles, victories and successes. This is the goal of the club, the players, the coach, the staff and everyone involved with the team. We work hard every day because we all want to lift the title at the end of the season. We sacrifice everything to experience such moments. I’ve been a champion and it’s something you carry with you for the rest of your life…”