Jovanovic: “I’d be a liar if I said we’re facing a simple game – The loss of Fotis is great”

Optimistic that the National team of Greece can get a positive result at “Wembley”, in the great match against England for the 3rd matchday of the Nations League, appeared Ivan Jovanovich.

The federal coach spoke to the journalists from “Mazarakeio”, where the “blue and white” train and, in a good mood, stated among other things: “I’d be a liar if I said we were facing a simple game. England is one of the best teams in the world. It is the favorite in our group. We play with a top team and that’s it one more incentive. I hope we have a good game, in an amazing stadium. We have our egos. It is the most difficult game we have ahead of us, but also one very big challenge for us».

For his absence Fotis Ioannidismoreover, who will be out of action for the next three weeks, and about his replacement at the top of the attack, stressed: “We have two children, Pavlidis and Douvikas. The loss of Fotis is great, his goals played an important role. I wish him to return to the courts as soon as possible».

Ivan Jovanovic’s statements in detail:

“As the program stands, we don’t have a particular choice. We have some experiences from the previous games, some analyses, which we will do. Preparation will play a role, because we are playing with one of the top teams in European football and it is one more incentive let’s have a good game.

I would be a liar if I said that we are treating it like a simple game, a serious game with a team, which in recent years, in all competitions, comes to the end, is the favorite in the group, which we compete and it is the most difficult game, which we have and it is definitely one very big challenge for us».

On Harry Kane’s absence: “If you look at England’s squad, I don’t think their manager is too worried. Why should I worry? I already have my own issues».

On the possibility of another striker being called up after Ioannidis’ injury: “At the moment there is no thought of calling another striker, there is Pavlidis and Douvikas. We have 21 players on the roster, plus the goalkeepers, at the moment, if all is well, we will not make any change».

For the big matches: “It’s a big game against a big opponent. It is of great importance for the development of the group, because we are both first. I believe we can meet the demands of the race».

Regarding the absence of Fotis Ioannidis: “We have two children, Pavlidis and Douvikas. We will not make any change. Certainly the loss of Fotis is great. His goals played a role in the development of previous games. We wish him to return to the courts. I believe that both Pavlidis and Douvikas are playing at a high level».

For the approximately 4,000 friends of the team who will be there: “I’m not surprised, Greeks are everywhere. They love football and their team. We should be worthy and not let them down».

What he thinks needs improvement: “It is logical that when the coach is new, the requirements change. There were things that were good in the previous matches. I expect there to be a permanent improvement. We don’t have the luxury of time to make things up in training. The level is high and we can do things through analysis and matches. The only way to improve a national team is through the games».

For the new guys: “Sure, we have enough kids. Zafiris or the young children of Olympiakos. I am glad that they are starring and well done to the coach of Olympiakos for giving them the opportunity. What they need to know is that these opportunities are not easy. They must continue to justify their coach. It is a positive thing for football that there are new kids».