O Ivan Jovanovichat the press conference ahead of its away match National team of Greece opposite to Finland for his last game Nations Leaguereferred to the disappointment that exists after losing to Englandemphasized that the players deserve it positivity for the path they have taken and emphasized that as long as there is mathematical and competitive hope, his team has things to win and must fight.
What he said in detail:
For the important match against Finland after one loss: “There was a lot of disappointment from the England game. We had some discussions regarding the previous game. Time is not very long. Not to the degree of analysis but understanding of some situations from the match against England. It was an effort to be very positive with the players because they deserve it even though we didn’t play a good game. I assure you it was a very demanding game. There was also physical fatigue. We have to take all the positivity because tomorrow is another very important game. We are still mathematically and competitively in contention for first place. Well, we have things to win.”
On whether Greece deserves to be in the First Division and whether Greek football is really making such great progress: “It’s not coincidental, we have a talented generation of players that it would be a shame to blame them because they didn’t qualify for the Euros, it was on penalties. After that game with Georgia, they continue to show that they have the reserves to chase more things than themselves, after all they are Greek, they have the ego. That’s why there is so much disappointment, they themselves managed to bring 60 thousand people to OAKA. Things may be difficult in the A’ Division of the Nations League at the moment, but these games lead you to limit up, that’s the only way a team improves. This run helps the team and in future draws, there are many positives. The guys are very aware and fully understand the conditions, it’s a pleasure to work with them.”
On whether he has been satisfied with the work done at the National Team so far: “In the national team, things are different, the quality time in terms of training is reduced, the process of managing the players is special. It’s special how we work the way we want to play. It is an important experience for me. We have the same way of playing and thinking about the game. In some matches we may shape our game a bit to benefit us. As a team we have built a base which we can gradually shape. We have players who can respond to the style of play. I have a positive conclusion about what we have done so far, the world has embraced the effort. Our obligations are constantly increasing, we must continue to be competitive.”
On what will make the team overcome the disappointment: “Let’s win (laughs). You know we all came here for a purpose in the National team. After how many years so many people came to OAKA, we wanted this game to end and for them to leave happy. There can also be defeats. We must create the prospects for excitement in the world. It is not pleasant not to be full in the stadium. England will have a full Wembley whoever they play. We have to get results, that’s our culture. For me it is important that this team continues to put in a great effort. We are not playing for ourselves, we are playing for all Greeks. We always want to have a full stadium. Such defeats hurt us but make us stubborn.”
On the frustration with England and how he’s handling it: “Pushing ourselves to the limit up is the most enjoyable thing. The moments we lived, the double at Wembley, the full OAKA. You can’t tell someone not to cheat if you don’t succeed. Disappointment is about how we would have been if we had won. We want the results, it’s normal. Every game is a new obstacle for us. There is frustration which is perfectly normal. But from this game and all the others to come, you understand the challenge we have to get great results, to keep the fans’ interest in the National Team. People were not disappointed by the result, we could have been better. If we exclude some intervals, we were not at the level we can be as a team”.
On whether he thinks the players are ready to react: “It can be an extra incentive. We have never won here. We have had time to discuss and I can confirm that the players are aware of the situation at the moment. They are aware and in the tactical part, our discussions are very interesting, they have a high level of understanding. Also some problems presented can be solved. They are a very good group, tomorrow they will show up ready. We have to be strong because they are a strong team. Whichever generation came did not manage to win here.”
For the statistics that National Team has and other teams do not have: “A coach doesn’t think about that. Statistics play a role after the match and not before. I had told the players to create game conditions that create a challenge for the opponent, not just get the result. To see our weaknesses and improve them. We are not changing our thinking, nor will we change it tomorrow. On this basis we will build some things later because we will need to change things. Fortunately players who have the ego to go after things they want. We risk more playing like this, but it’s better. We have talent, it’s a shame it’s being put into a mold that doesn’t fit because of the result. In League A it will be more difficult, but it is the only group where we will have a real insight into what we can do. We have to play to our limits there, whether we want to or not. The games are more attractive and there are many positives to play there. We will help you in the next draws. At the end of the day we will play with them if we want to do something.”
As for whether he wants to send a message to the world: “To those who came to the stadium and were disappointed, I want to tell them to stay with us. To be honest, as in Serbia, so in Greece, people love the result. We will succeed with the results. It easily fills the stadium, but we have to do things from our side to give them the motivation.”
Source: Sport Fm
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