Vitoria: “We don’t start the match with the goal of a draw – I believe we will go all the way”

THE Olympic took the lead in the first half, but was forced to play with ten men for the entire second half and Ioannidis’ penalty sealed the final 1-1 in the derby at “G. Karaiskakis”.

After the match, the coach of Panathinaikos, Rui Vitoriatalked about the factors that decided the final result, and commented that his team can keep the degreebut entered the field with the goal of victory. At the same time, he emphasized that the “clover” has now been found stability and shows that he can go all the way to his goals.

In detail what he said:

Panathinaikos improved its image after the 1-0. What went wrong in the first 15 minutes? Do you consider the positive results in derbies a legacy for the future?

I would say about the game I didn’t like the first part, I also didn’t like some parts in the second half that we could have other reactions. The team did not enter as we wanted and the opponent entered strongly and scored a goal. From 15′ onwards the team reacted and started to create situations to score a goal which did not happen. In the second half we had the numerical advantage which theoretically helps you to move the ball around, but also the opponent closed close to his goal and tried with long balls to get the ball out. We managed to create situations and scored a goal. It wasn’t a spectacular game, but it was a classic derby with two teams wanting to win. We made a difficult schedule and now we are moving into a phase with difficult matches again because there is no easy game in the league. We have given all the derbies and now we are waiting for the other teams.

What went wrong and when you played with a player above him he failed to create the chances to score more goals? On the contrary, Olympiacos created more chances even though it came from a difficult European game.

First of all, because we faced a team with great quality. Many times when such a team plays with ten players, it closes the spaces with the lines close, in a low block. What we can say we missed was the quick release which we didn’t do as well as we should have. We have to keep in mind that the opponent is very good at counter-attacking and we had to think about it when we lose the ball to win it back immediately. We for our part tried to put in attacking footballers who made us lose that balance and it shouldn’t happen again because you might concede a goal from a counter attack. The fact that you play with a player above you makes you lose your balance. We are within all our targets. The team shows that they are competitive in these types of games and we keep that, while we think we will do better. we must not forget that every match has its own story. In the previous game we played against the same opponent we had more chances, but we scored one goal then and one now. We faced a very good team with a very good coach. We maintain that we got the point even though we wanted the victory.

A comment on the 14 games you haven’t lost and if after Swinderski you expect another reinforcement?

When we came to the team he was not in such a good shape and he had to learn to win on these matches. Congratulations go to the footballers and it is the fruit of their own efforts because they have quickly learned what we ask of them. The team has gained stability and is competitive and I believe we will go all the way. As for Swinderski, he has different characteristics from the ones we have and we are happy with his acquisition. We hope he adapts quickly because he is a very useful footballer. Everyone is useful and because it is a championship that will draw a lot everyone will be needed.

How equal are the teams and ahead of the Cup match that will take place in ten days at the same stadium?

These types of games are almost always decided in the details and that will be the case in any game of these teams. At the moment I don’t want to comment on what will happen in the replay of the cup, which is a different institution. Until he comes we have very important games. The individual quality of the footballers will decide the result because when we talk about details that’s what we’re talking about.

Do you find this result good and what feelings does it leave you with?

I’m a realist. We don’t start the match aiming for a draw. I always want to beat whoever the opponent is. Of course, the opponent also has his value. We played against a strong opponent in a fantastic atmosphere. We maintain that we are within our goals and want to go all the way to claim our chances.