Rui Vitoria: “We ask for seriousness and correct decisions, nothing more”

THE Panathinaikos took the qualification lead against Atromitos having major complaints from arbitrationwith Rui Vitoria to comment on the press conference after the match on everything that happened in Peristeri.

In detail what he said:

About the way the victory came and the refereeing: “For sure it was very positive for us, maybe it was the most positive of the match. We tested the footballers and the character of the team. For the first time this year myself and I found ourselves behind on the scoreboard and it was important that the players responded so well. They kept their composure, kept control of the match, tried to attack rationally and thus reached the upset. I haven’t had a chance to see the phases clearly yet. But my opinion, my first feeling is that the first phase is a clear penalty, as in the yellow card phase it could easily have given a red. We ask for seriousness and sound decisions, nothing more. Let’s focus on the reaction of the football players”.



For the many changes: “I will agree with you. I was glad to have the opportunity to spend time with players and see them in action. It’s not the first time I’ve said this, I’m completely satisfied with the players, it’s a shame I can only put 11. What makes me satisfied is that even though we had so many changes, the automations and the game model were the same. That makes me happy. The two goals were very nice, as they came from combinations. In other matches they might not have come out, but today they did. And of course I was also happy with the fact that two midfielders scored. Regardless of the fact that the important thing today was the victory”.

For refereeing decisions in general this year: “I always have as my principle to believe in people. So, as I said before, we are just asking for equality and correct decisions. If a penalty or a red card should have been given, they were unfortunately not given. My initial feeling is this and I’m pretty sure I’m not wrong. We are watching what is happening, we are seeing it and from here on we will see what we will do. I’m not a reactive person, I’ll have to push myself to the limit to say something. But since I’ve been here for a while now, I see what’s going on.”

On how he explains how the midfielders started scoring and the forwards still haven’t: “I certainly wish our forwards had scored more and we’ve done enough to deserve that. It’s not something I’m overly concerned about right now. The team plays with dynamics, puts several footballers in execution positions. I am sure that the time for the fours will soon come. I also think that in the last third of the field we have the possibility to put several players in the area and this will also free up the attackers”.

For the appearance of Limnios and whether some other players like Pereth will get playing time: “I confess that many times I regret not being able to put some players who train well and do not get minutes of participation. Many times the choices I make have only to do with the match I choose the mission. B.C. in the Conference League with Helsinki Pellistri played on the right because he would cause problems for his opponent. However, the limitations due to the numbers are there, since not everyone fits. If I give players a card to choose who to play many times they may choose to leave out even their friends. Surely at some point, if they continue like this, there will be room for them to get playing time.”