Panathinaikos is ready to pull off the big upset in the packed OAKA against Lance and qualify for the League Phase of the Europa Conference League.
In the context of the great rematch with the French team, the “green” PAE, published the established MatchDay Mag, in which one of the new transfer acquisitions of the “trefoil”, the Brazilian, was hosted. Tete!
The 24-year-old winger, in the interview he granted, spoke for his decision to play for Panathinaikosabout his first days in the team, about the huge potential that Diego Alonso’s team has but also about his goal which is none other than winning the championship with the “greens”.
In detail what the Brazilian said to Panathinaikos’ MatchDay Mag with Lance:
You have completed one month at Panathinaikos. How do you feel about the team?
“I am very happy because a big club like Panathinaikos welcomed me very warmly. This helped me a lot to adapt quickly. My teammates, the coaching staff and all the people around the club trusted me from the first moment and gave me confidence. I transfer this confidence to the pitch by trying to help with all my powers.”
You immediately fell into the… deep as the team schedule was demanding and difficult. How is your adjustment to the new reality?
“I think my adaptation was good and quick. I immediately got into the atmosphere of the team. There is a very good communication with the training team and with our coach and with my teammates. I find that we are solid and close as a team. We have created a very good set. Sure, the matches were demanding and the schedule quite tiring, but that’s how football is. There are also moments of tension and pressure, which we are called to overcome by bringing out our best selves on the field. I think that the game against Ajax in the Netherlands showed us the potential of the team and we must continue our effort with the aim of winning the following games.”
Panathinaikos has a difficult mission in front of it, but also a big challenge against Lance. Having already faced the French team and living every day in the dressing room and training sessions of Trefoil, do you think it is possible to overturn and qualify?
“Of course it is possible to celebrate the qualification. We can! We are working hard to be fully prepared for the rematch with Lance. Our mind and body work for victory and qualification. All together, team and fans, we will give a great fight to succeed…”.
What must the team do on the field to reach the desired result?
“First of all, we have to be at a high level of concentration. At the same time, we must be calm in our decisions in order to take advantage of the opportunities that will be given to us to score.”
You mentioned the Ajax game in Holland earlier. Is that match a guide for you?
“Undoubtedly! In Holland we played a very good game against a very strong team like Ajax. We showed our quality and the perspective that this year’s Panathinaikos has. Of course, we know that Thursday’s match will be difficult, but our goal is victory and qualification. And we will give everything to succeed.”
The Olympic Stadium will be full as the people of Panathinaikos warmly responded to the call of the team. What is the message you want to send to the fans?
“I would like to ask the fans of Panathinaikos to come to the stadium and support us because it will be a big match. As for me personally, let the world know that I will give everything on the pitch. And the whole team in general will give everything – everything they have and don’t have – for the qualification. It is a very important match and we will try to play a big game…”
The previous period was not easy for Panathinaikos. The championship started with a home defeat against Asteras, while a difficult victory with a goal in the last minutes against Levadeiakos followed. What do you think didn’t work well in these games?
“We are a new team, with a new coach. There are new faces and a new effort is being made to build a new whole. So we need time to adapt and put our coach’s plan on the field. We know what we have to do, we adapt every day to this new situation and try to reach a level where our game will be good, efficient and will bring victories. Our goal is good football and victories.”
Admittedly, you have made a dynamic start with Panathinaikos. Goals with Ajax, participation in the winning goal with Levadeiakos and generally an important contribution to the team. Do you feel like you have a lot more to offer?
“Of course it is! I’m happy to be able to help my team, either by scoring a goal or being involved in a goal. I always want to improve and strive for the best. I know I still haven’t reached my highest level of performance, but I’m working hard to get there. I’ll say it again, I’m very happy with the way the team has welcomed me. This gives me even more strength to bring out my best self on the field.”
Are you optimistic about the course of Panathinaikos? Do you feel there is a prospect for building a good team?
“There’s no doubt about it! Our team has a big perspective and our goals are also big. And we will try to achieve these goals with all our strength. I really believe in our team and the perspective it has!”
What prompted you to come to Panathinaikos?
“The most important thing was the project presented to me by the administration. I liked the role the team wanted me to play in this project. I felt important and useful in what Panathinaikos wants to build. They trusted me and filled me with confidence. And I think that comes out on the field because I want to give back.”
How are the first days in Greece?
“What can I say! It is the most beautiful country I have ever been to! I am happy here! It is an amazing country with wonderful and wonderful people with good hearts.”
How is Tete off the field? How do you spend your free time?
“I like to spend my time with my family and friends. I’m not one to go out at night. This is not part of my life. I am generally very calm as a person…”
What do you enjoy when you have time?
“One of the things I really like is barbecuing!”
You signed a four-year contract with Panathinaikos, which shows your willingness for a long-term commitment. What would you like to have achieved in the next years with the team?
“My main goal and what motivates me every day in training to become better, is to become a champion with Panathinaikos. The team has 14 years to win the championship and that for me is a big goal. And precisely because I am in a great club like Panathinaikos, this is my motivation. I want to help the team with goals and assists and I want to offer everything the club expects from me…”
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.
