Panathinaikos defeated Dinamo Minsk 4-0, at OAKA, for the 6th and last matchday of this year’s League Phase Conference League and ceremoniously secured the “ticket” for the tournament’s knockouts.
After the match, Rui Vitoria he emphasized that his players deserve congratulations for the way they fought, but also for the obvious improvement the team has shown lately. At the same time, he emphasized that he is satisfied with the “greens” and referred to Friday’s draw (20/12, 14:00).
What he said in detail at the press conference:
It was the team’s most productive performance. Did you expect it to be this easy tonight?
“I always expect it, because I believe very much in the team and I think that it has shown the examples in the previous matches. We could score more goals in all of them, we did today. I think we had a complete performance. The team dynamic was very good throughout the match. We changed several players, but the quality and performance remained high. I am very satisfied and I have to congratulate my players.”
The evening brings out many positive elements. It’s not just the 4 goals, it’s the way this win comes. With 20 thousand people who leave completely satisfied. Can this victory be the springboard for an even better sequel?
“I consider that the start has been made for some time, since the first day we came. The team’s gradual improvement is evident. We’ve improved the key areas that we wanted to, we’ve put more players into the equation, so we’re keeping all of that, we’re continuing and we want to improve the squad even more. So congratulations to my players. I want to emphasize this, as we said yesterday it is not at all easy to play at such a high level in 3 days. From the first moment they have responded very well to what we have asked of them. I know that football will also have its difficult moments, but this is a good time to highlight how well the footballers have responded in all areas.”
Do you think this win will free up the team for the rest of the season? And if you want to make a comment about Ioannidis’ goal.
“We are certainly very happy about this event. We had said that we were not so concerned about the team not scoring much, because they were creating phases. Today we did everything well, both strikers and Tete scored. In general, everyone did very well. It is important that we take one player out, put another one in and he gives a great situation. I have a “headache” about who to put, because they are all ready and deserve to play. These are two very important items that we hold. And a third is that a player from our Academies, Bregu, made his debut. It’s encouraging for anyone in the Academy to see that the club is giving them the opportunity to compete in the first team.”
Do you have a preference for the next phase?
“I don’t have a preference. We’re talking about a lottery, whatever happens happens. We are prepared to face any opponent. These toys are quite far away, enough water should flow in the groove until they come. From tomorrow we have to concentrate on the next difficult match against Athens Kallithea. When these matches come we will be ready to adequately represent Panathinaikos”.
In addition to the 4 goals scored by the team, it is also the 4th match in a row that Panathinaikos has not conceded a goal. Since you come from the Portuguese school, how much do you think the team has assimilated what you want and ask for from the first game you came to Panathinaikos?
“Congratulations go mainly to the players, who have assimilated as well as possible the time we have spent together. Either the conversations we have, or the exercises in training. They buy our ideas, and that makes us happy. It is a fact that offensively the team has gained a lot of variety in how they attack. It becomes more and more difficult for the opponent to stop us. We know very well that in some cases, as has happened in other matches, we may not be able to find the goals we deserve and that’s where the defense plays its part. We have improved there too, we are solid. These are the axes on which we move, the players respond very well. Difficult times will come, but we will be prepared to deal with them as best as possible. The team is in a very good momentum and we want to continue like this.”
6 weeks ago the conversation going on was quite unpleasant for the football department. You brought hope and people back to the field. I would like you to comment on the reports linking you to al-Shabaab.
“It doesn’t take too much talking. And yesterday I was clear to you and today the same. That’s because my life depends a lot on where I feel good. I love being here, so these go hand in hand. Since I am content and happy here, I am lucky enough to define my own life. Just as we highlight the beautiful goal scored by Ioannidis, so I also like to feel that my work is recognized. I am very satisfied here and there is nothing more.”
Taking… all of what you just said, we see a football painting being completed match by match. Since you’re creating this painting, you see you’ll want to add your own touches, as domestic titles and a big run in Europe are the goal. Do you want to add new additions to make the painting even better?
“I consider that I am just a cog in the Panathinaikos machine. I have a specific role, but we must distinguish mainly the work of the footballers who are the real protagonists. I think we are creating a very good team, which can achieve high goals. I am very satisfied with the footballers I have, they are amazing at absorbing what I ask of them. The only thing that matters is that they rest and be at 100% for the next match. I don’t want to talk about additions or subtractions. Let this game pass and there will be enough time to put everything down and see what is needed. I think we don’t need to be so concerned with additions or subtractions. Nothing makes a coach happier than seeing his players improve, their value grow. The coach must do this, make the group of players even better, so that both the footballer and the coach feel that a very good job is being done.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
