Rui Vitoria: ‘Squad prepared for demanding schedule – Delighted for Palmer-Brown’

Panathinaikos again defeated Atromitos 2-1, this time at OAKA, in the second match between them for the Betsson Hellenic Cup and thus formally secured the “ticket” for the quarter-finals of the competition.

THE Rui Vitoria at the press conference after the end of the match, he declared that he was satisfied with the performance of his team, emphasized that the “clover” is prepared for the demanding program, while he also spoke about the reappearance of Palmer-Brown.

In detail, what Rui Vitoria said at the press conference:

A very good first half and a not so good second half. Why do you think this happened? Cherin was tested at ‘6’, do you think he has the qualities for this position? Were you satisfied with his image?

“I think the first half was very good, we made things a lot easier. We managed and had a lot of variety in attack, from both sides and the axis. We scored two goals, maybe we could have chased more in our good time. At the break we told the players to continue at the same pace, we entered well, we had a chance to make it 3-0. With just a moment the opponent reduced to 2-1 and it’s like giving him a little more oxygen. It’s a mistake we usually don’t make and shouldn’t make again. I am in a high risk zone if the ball is lost. And it limited a little bit how I will manage some footballers, based on the plan I had before. I wanted the players inside to check the situation again, not let the game open up too much. So I would say we had a pretty good first half, not so good second 45 minutes. The goals we had for the game were achieved, we wanted to qualify and even with a win and we succeeded. It is important for our self-confidence. There was also a management of football players. Players who didn’t have much time and in the training show that they deserve, found the opportunity.

As for Cherin, I quite liked the game he played. He is a very intelligent footballer, he knows how to control the pace, when to accelerate, switch sides or hold the ball. He can compete further forward, I wanted to see him in this position to see if we have a better solution internally and I think he responded very well».

A program with very demanding games is coming. How do you see this and how ready is the team for them? What did you think of Palmer-Brown in his return and what is your plan for him?

“As for the schedule, we knew that. We thought we had all the potential to qualify and we knew who the next opponent would be. The team is prepared, has shown many signs of improvement. The games will be difficult, we always look to the next game and concentrate on it. Anyway we knew we would have a demanding schedule, the team is fully prepared for it. The team will be highly competitive, I think they have the roster to respond, we saw many changes in the starting lineup today as well but the performance in the first half was very good. I’m optimistic, it’s definitely a matter of how we manage the matches, but I think it will be as it should be to be at 100%. It will certainly be difficult, but that is why we are here, to find solutions.

For Eric, I was glad to see him compete after so long. He is a good football player, who has done a very good job in training. I wanted to find an opportunity to give him minutes. The initial thought was to bring him in earlier, but Atromitos’ goal made things a bit difficult and I wanted to make sure the match was back in our control before putting him in. He fought very well, I was glad he got this opportunity. I must also say that I am glad that Nikas and Zeka, two important players, also competed. It’s the same with Eric, I wanted them to come in a little earlier, it didn’t happen, but they came in, they fought well and that’s a proof that everyone is ready at any time to come in and help the team».