One of the hottest names in Greek football is undoubtedly Stefanos Tzimas, who is constantly progressing in Nuremberg, where he plays on loan from PAOK. The Greek striker spoke to Kicker and the Greek journalist, George Vavritsapointing out that he is now a completely different player to how we knew him in the “double-header of the North”, taking his… hat off to Miroslav Klose.
Read a long excerpt from the interview given by Jimas
On the fact that at 18 he is far from home: “It was definitely a big step to move away from my family, my brother, who I have a very close relationship with, and my friends. I went to another country. Everything happened very quickly, the decision was made from one moment to the next. I didn’t have time to think about it».
On whether it has been adapted to Nuremberg: “Yes, from the beginning, the sporting director, Olaf Rebbe, as well as our coach, Miroslav Klose, and the rest of the team environment made me feel at home from day one. I am very happy about it. The club sorted out all the issues from the start. He found me an apartment and a car. So, I could concentrate on the sports part. I would like to thank everyone for the support. Our training center is huge and we spend a lot of time there. Life is quieter. People go out less than people in Thessaloniki. People are more disciplined».
Regarding whether there are differences in relation to PAOK: “Yes, there are. We train more often in the hall and in the weight room, it’s more intense running, because the team puts a lot of emphasis on the transition game. In general, Germany’s second division is different, the game is physical».
For Klose: “It’s the main reason I’m here».
On how his transfer took place: “Olaf Rebbe has known me since he was technical director at PAOK. He knew I was earmarked as a 3rd striker this season. At one point I was on vacation with my friends and Klose called me. I was impressed that Klose wanted me. Afterwards we had a great conversation and he convinced me to move to Nuremberg, together with Giotis Hatzialexiou and Olaf Rembe. It was the best decision I could have made».
On how he has experienced the 2nd division of the Bundesliga: “The standards are high, I can currently only compare with the Greek Super League. With the exception of the big four (including AEK, PAOK, Olympiacos, PAOK), the quality in the 2nd division excels in quality in everything. What amazes me are the great and big pitches. Ours in Nuremberg holds 50,000 people, I’ve never played in front of that many people before. In Hamburg there were 57,000, while in Cologne 50,000. In the 2nd round we will go to Berlin and Hertha or Schalke and expect the atmosphere I will see. It is also surprising how many teams have won the championship title. Kaiserslautern, Cologne, Hamburg, Schalke…».
On the seven goals he has scored and how many he will score in Round 2: “I don’t put so much emphasis on goals and assists. Our goal is to improve and make more shots on goal. If things are going better for us as a team, I will automatically score more goals. It would be nice to reach 10 goals. Of course I will be happy with every extra goal».
On whether he is a completely different player compared to the beginning of the year, when he was playing in Greece: “This point of view is absolutely correct. It is due to coach Klose, who changed my perspective on football. I do a lot of things differently now. In terms of how I move, how I think. Basically everything (I’m different). I’m a completely different player now. The training I do regularly for the match helps me, as I did not play for PAOK. My confidence grows with every game and every goal. I enjoy playing football in Nuremberg under Klose».
On the scenarios for his future and where he will play next season: “To be honest, I have no idea. Of course, a lot is written about it, but I don’t read it all. I don’t want to get carried away and lose focus. I’m happy, I’m enjoying everything and I’m focused on Nuremberg».
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.
