Giannoulis on bwinSPORT FM: “We will come out stronger from the elimination, we know what we have to do to qualify”

His mark for her new era National gave the Dimitris Giannoulis speaking to News Bulletin 247. With Ivan Jovanovic making his debut on the bench, the blue-and-white will throw themselves into the “battle” on Saturday (7/9, 9:45 p.m.) Nations Leaguewelcoming Finland to “C. Karaiskakis”.

“We have a new coachwe are chasing the Nations League goal at the moment. We will give our best because through this tournament, we can have a second chance for the 2026 World Cup, as happened with the Euro playoffs“, he pointed out to Sotiris Tabako the 28-year-old fullback, but also: “Mr. Jovanovic is a coach who knows Greek footballers very well, he has been in our country for several years. He knows what he has to do and I think we will present an even better face so that we can succeed in qualifying for a big tournament».

“Watching the Euro on TV, it was even more difficult for us because we knew how close we came… With the overall picture we showed on our way to the play-offs, I think we deserved to qualify for the final stage. Of course, life doesn’t stop there. It was a failure I’m sure it will make us stronger. Now we know exactly what we need to do to qualify for a major event“, also mentioned the new ace of Augsburg.

In the summer his name “played” for Panathinaikos and AEKwith him repeating that his goal was to continue abroad. “I thank all the Greek groups that showed interest and dealt with my case, but my wish was to stay abroad“, emphasized Giannoulis.

In detail what he said to News Bulletin 247 and Sotiris Tabakos

It’s a new start for the National team in the Nations League coached by Ivan Jovanovic. How do you see the return to the representative group? Is there anticipation?

“It is always a great pleasure when you come to the National team, it is a maximum honor. We have a new coach, we are chasing the goal of the Nations League at the moment. We will give our best because through this event, we can have a second chance for the 2026 World Cup, as happened with the Euro playoffs. Under no circumstances should we underestimate the Nations League. It is an important event. I hope everything goes well in the first two games against Finland and Ireland».

Dimitris, what went wrong in the match with Georgia and did Germany not qualify for the Euro? What conclusions are drawn, what did you footballers say to each other?

“Yes, we talked. We had the chance at the June friendly to meet again and talk. We are certainly very sad. Watching the Euros on TV, it was even more difficult for us because we knew how close we came… With the overall picture we showed on our way to the play-offs, I think we deserved to qualify for the final stage. Of course, life doesn’t stop there. It was a failure and I’m sure it will make us stronger. Now we know exactly what we need to do to qualify for a major event».

What image have you formed from the presence of the new coach, Ivan Jovanovic?

“I am very optimistic, like everyone who is in the National team. We must be optimistic. Mr. Jovanovic is a coach, who knows Greek footballers very well, he has been in our country for several years. He knows what he has to do and I think we will present an even better face so that we can succeed in qualifying for a big tournament».

In which parts of our game do you think we will perform better?

“First of all, I want to say that the difficult suits us. The national team has proven that in difficult matches it is even better. A theoretically easier game, like the one against Georgia in Tbilisi, didn’t turn out well for us. Now, we are ready for the first matches with Finland and Ireland. If we work as a team, especially for the goal, I think the successes will come».

Is it important for the new coach that there has been a core member in the team for four years?

“It is certainly important for the coach. From then on, every child who joins the roster, like now Christos Zafeiris, comes determined to help the National team. Surely, it will give something new. Therefore, and that is why we are optimistic and the coach will manage the roster properly».

You are one of the key members of our representative group with a course abroad in recent years, competing in Norwich. Now you continue your career in the Bundesliga and Augsburg. Do you feel that you have leveled up with your presence in Europe?

“Of course I feel more ready. With my decision to go to Germany, I will add more experiences and I believe that I still have room to develop. I want to have my health in order to continue to offer for the National team and to finally qualify for a major tournament».

The evolution you have in terms of competition is great and one of the main characteristics of your game is the balance you show on the field defensively and offensively…

“To be honest, that’s something I improved on, going to England and Norwich. I understood that at this level, it is not easy for a left back to only attack because there are many spaces. As I said, there is room for improvement».

In the summer, your name played a lot for the greats of Greek football, but in the end you continue to compete abroad. What led you to this decision?

“It’s what I said from the beginning. My first goal was to continue in a major European league. When the Augsburg proposal came I didn’t think much of it. The Bundesliga is a challenge for me. Actually, I did not make it a priority to return to Greece even though there were offers. I thank all the Greek groups that showed interest and dealt with my case, but my wish was to stay abroad».

Closing this discussion, what message do you want to send to the world ahead of the Nations League games?

“Let’s thank them for the support they have shown us so far and we hope that we will have them on our side in the upcoming games as well. With the people on the pitch, we have proven that we are even better».