THE Panathinaikos welcomes AEK (13/03, 19:30) for the first match of the playoffs. THE Fotis Ioannidis spoke in the match program of the match, stating the goals he has with the clover jersey.
In a very short time, AEK comes again as an opponent on the Avenue. Just two weeks ago, Panathinaikos defeated the same opponent 3-0 at the same stadium. Will this 3-0 affect the psychology of the teams?
“Certainly, I think AEK will be more careful in dealing with the game. But we, on our part, must enter with the same dedication from the first minute in order to manage to get the victory and why not with the same result “.
What is the condition of the team?
“We are in good shape at the moment and we have to stay at the same level. It is important to start the playoffs well “.
This year’s playoffs seem difficult and demanding. At least the regular season has shown that everyone can earn points. How do you expect the mini championship?
“We are happy to play such games. They are every footballer’s favorite matches. In these playoffs, almost all the games, it is a derby, something that makes you want to be constantly at the peak of your performance and to bring out your best in order to help the team get the results it needs “.
The truth is, however, that the team in the derbies, even in those that did not win or even lose, had a positive presence on the field in terms of appearance. Do big games suit you better?
“I think it plays an important role that this is what the club does to us. You enter these games and you represent something big and you want to be at the best level you can be “.
In relation to the last match, AEK comes with a new coach and more united. Are you expecting a different AEK?
I believe that he will come to face us more “collected” and more careful. This may make it difficult for us to find the same plethora of opportunities. So we have to be effective. ”
The good thing is that you now have more help from the podium as the occupancy rate on the pitches has increased. Did you miss people in the past?
“The presence of the people is the most important thing, especially when you play at home. “The Avenue is a stadium that lights up immediately and it is something unique to live it from the inside, especially in derbies”.
The team had ups and downs during the season. Although he admittedly had a positive competitive presence, the results were not the best in some cases. Do you think that at some point football will justify you?
“Of course it’s something that worries us, because in most games we also realize that we have a good image. However, this is not always in line with the result. The consistency is what determines us in the end and it is something that we have to improve to a great extent because at the end of the championship the points are what count “.
This year’s playoffs are a difficult process that can hide pitfalls. The team is at -4 from AEK, at -3 from Aris and at +2 from PAS Giannina and since all matches are ambiguous, anything can happen, from the best to the worst case scenario…
“Indeed, all four teams you mentioned are close to the score, so every point is important. So we have to look at each game differently and aim for the three points. Every match is a final. “
What is your situation? Because you come from an injury that bothered you…
“I had some kicks in the previous game and I had a difficult week.”
The truth is that your place has a lot of “wood”…
“He has many duels and contact with the opponent. I’m chasing it too and the opponents obviously can not avoid it. This is the position… ”
How does Fotis feel after 26 games? Are you happy with yourself? Do you feel better than last year?
“I definitely feel better than last year. I’m more comfortable on the pitch. The truth is that I started with higher goals individually because I had a very good start and I thought I would have more games. In no case do I make any complaints, just the coronavirus and the injury I had brought me back and I did not manage at the beginning of the season to continue as I had imagined “.
Anyway, the competition is great because there are two very good players in the same position, such as Makenda and Carlitos…
“It’s like that in the big teams. I really like this! I want to face the best in order to improve every day because I am at such an age. I learn daily from both of them. I have confidence in myself and I believe that when I am in good condition I can play more games “.
Although there is competition for a place in the starting lineup we see that the atmosphere is good in the locker rooms…
“It simply came to our notice then. There is a good atmosphere in the team. This happens even in defeats. This is how football is. We know that in the end there will be no one who will wrong us. I believe that football is 95% fair. At the end of the day, everyone wants to help each other to reach the goals of the team “.
Under Jovanovic, there seems to be a sense of justice within the team: that the player who is good plays. Do you feel it too?
“It simply came to our notice then. He who is in the best condition plays. The coach understands the player who is feeling well. He knows, he’s not a random person. That is why he is also the coach of Panathinaikos “.
You also lived last season at Panathinaikos. During your time in the team, do you see evolution and progress?
“The truth is that we have a completely different way of playing compared to last year. The team plays much more rationally, prudently. We understand overall in our way of development and in our philosophy that the team has a dominant role on the field, although sometimes we stay at low levels in the creation of phases, which concerns us and we try to correct it every day. But I think we are thankful for it more than last year “.
What will Fotis be happy with at the end of the season? As a team and as Ioannidis?
“It is understood as a team that going to Europe is the most important thing together with the Cup. These are the two goals we have at the moment. It’s something we have to achieve in order to slowly start bringing the club back to where it deserves to be. I personally have to help the team in every way, either with goals or with my performance on the field, so that I can also start establishing myself at Panathinaikos, which we have all dreamed of “.
Is the National team among the individual goals that makes a restart with a new coach? Anyway, you are a child of the National teams…
“I have been in most national teams, I am still in Elpidon but the men’s national team is definitely a dream. I believe that if I continue in this way, to work and create such an image on the field, why not let this dream not come true “.
How do you spend your time off the field, away from training?
“I’m a bit of a housecat. I sit at home and rarely go out. I like Formula 1, I watch a lot of series and when I have time I also like gaming “.
What are you playing;
“I play PUBG, Formula 1 and FIFA”.
From series what do you like?
“Favorite series is Game of Thrones. I like Peaky Blinders, we are also looking forward to the new season. Prison Break, Vikings, I have seen many series… ”
Are you “stuck” with the ball? Do you watch football all the time or do you try to get away with it?
“The truth is that I do not watch every day. I see a lot of Premier
League and the big matches in the Champions League and Liverpool… ”
Are you… very Liverpool?
“Yes! I was in Anfield when I was very young… ”
Favorite sport besides football?
“Formula 1!”
Who do you support? Ferstappen?
“Sebastian Vettel! I do not like Ferstappen. He is a top driver but I did not like the “push” he had at that time and how they treat him “.
Other sports that you enjoy?
“I watch and play a little tennis whenever I have time. I also watch the NBA. In the summer in the finals, whenever I have time and I can, I watch games. In general, I watch other sports more than football (laughs). You get away a little… But I constantly watch videos about my position, I see player movements. Benzema, Lewandowski, all the good ones “.
Who do you consider top right now?
“Karim! Not just now, it always has been. Any move he makes on the pitch is to help the team. He is a fantastic player. I also try to get data. “Lewandowski is a clearer player in the area and works harder for that.”
What is it like to come from a football family? With the father of a football player, you were actually born in football. Did this help you because you always had a piece of advice from someone who really knew? Or did you feel internal pressure that you had to succeed?
“The truth is that I was never pressured. I loved football since I was a child and it was the dream I followed. My father, from a young age, helped me. More individually in way of thinking and mentality. But he will never tell me what to do. Of course we talk, I ask him things, we agree, we disagree, that’s football and personalities… “
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