Tsirigotis: “In a position that Ionikos will lead in Europe in the coming years”

An interview on all the material was given by Giannis Tsirigotis on its official website Ionian Amateur.

The administrative leader of the football department of the “blue and whites”, among other things, referred to engagement of him with the Nicaeans – of whom he declares fan– but also the upgrade of facilities of the club, underlining the discussions held with the municipal authority and the district for the acquisition of a auxiliary pitch, as you were informed months ago and by sport-fm.gr.

At the same time, he stood in the course of the team this year, as well as of course targets of. In fact, he noted that the neo-enlightened are primarily looking forward to stay and to consolidation in Super League 1 and then in the coming years to find themselves in a position that will lead to European event.

In detail, the interview of Giannis Tsirigotis at ionikos.gr:



«The Ionian Amateur through the official site www.ionikos.gr conducts a series of interviews with people who with their presence determined and determine the present and the past of the association.

People that each of his posts offered so that in 2021 Ionikos is among the top clubs in all of Greece, experiencing, on a competitive level, the best period of its history.

This week we are hosting the Administrative Leader of the football department, Mr. Giannis Tsirigotis. The man who, by conquering successive ascents, managed to accomplish something that seemed unthinkable until a few years ago, the return of Ionikos to the top category.

1) To take them from the beginning although well known. How does dealing with the Ionian come about and why?

I grew up and became a man in the neighborhoods of Piraeus and Nice. From a young age, my involvement with football was intense both as a player and as a fan. Football has been and remains a way of life for me. I have been a fan of Ionikos for many years and my presence at the stadium of Naples is strong. All my friends are from these neighborhoods and I’m proud of that. I and my family have fought hard in my life to succeed in business and so it was an “obligation” for me to help teams in my neighborhood as much as I could. When I saw the administrative gap that had been created in Ionikos and the danger of the team being in the local ones, I decided to act and move forward. After all, it was something that my own fans were asking for. But the decision was common and I say this because we all make decisions as a family. We decide together with my brother Takis who has already sacrificed a lot for Ionikos but also with my son Theodore.

2) So it was his world, the element that played a catalytic role in the decision to engage?

The Ionian World stands out. He has a passion and love for the team that you will not find in any other neighborhood. It is no coincidence that the same fans ruled in difficult situations and turned their backs on Ionikos many times for their love.

3) What is the top moment of the Association under the administration of Tsirigotis?

The rise in the Super League after 14 years of absence. When no one believed it and everyone was betting on the failure, the Tsirigoti administration gave the right answers.

4) Now, Super League. Do dreams have a ceiling?



When you rule the Ionian there is no ceiling. I will not use the word “dreams” but I will say that we always have goals. With hard work, organization and planning we choose our goals. So our goal is for the beginning to stay in the category, to consolidate and in the coming years to be again in a position that will lead to Europe. But the championship is very difficult and competitive and the road will only be uphill for us.

5) However, we saw that the road to the Super League was being prepared, two years ago, with the gradual upgrade of the stadium as well as other facilities (offices, gym, etc.). What else “should” be done both in terms of the field but maybe in the event of an auxiliary field?

As a family we have the philosophy to have in all areas housekeeping and never casual work. It is not possible to lead a team like Ionikos and make decisions of the moment without thinking about the future. And a future without proper facilities and professionalism is not possible. For the upgrade of the Stadium, we worked closely with the Municipal Authority and personally with the Mayor Mr. Ioakeimidis. On his part he did an excellent job and so we shared the burden of upgrading the stadium. And we as a Family spent large sums for a stadium that does not actually belong to us and belongs to the citizens of the municipality and specifically to the Ionian team. Certainly the upgrade of the stadium never stops and we still have many plans for the stadium to meet all European criteria. As for the auxiliary stadium, we are already in discussion with the municipal authority and the region.

6) The team has started and is moving beyond expectations, one might say. “Let’s go to be saved” with quotes was the motto for the three consecutive ascents. Will the quotes come out or should we expect another overrun?



With low tones and with a lot of attention the goal is clearly to stay. You do not need big words. Staying in the class will be a success for us. We have already given our competitive answers that we are a tough opponent who will fight all the games and if we did not have the misfortunes with the injuries we would definitely have other results. I have confidence in my players and especially in our Coach Mr. Spanos. We also have a staff of professional people and we have nothing to envy in terms of organization in relation to large teams.

7) We see that an important job is being done in the Academies with a very good presence in the championships of K-19, K-17, etc. What is the goal in relation to the men’s team and the city?



Some changes are already being made in the academies. The people who run the academy have already changed and the goal is to change the philosophy to a more “professional” academy. But these changes take time and patience. You do not build an academy in one year. We as PAE and in excellent consultation with the Amateur Management will make as many changes as needed to reach the desired goal that we have a position. And all those who deal with it will be judged. We will not make any discount. We should give the athletes the appropriate services that correspond to an academy of a large team such as the Ionian. We will make as many changes as needed and we will dare to take all the necessary steps. We want to .educate first the right people and then the right athletes. Academies are our future.

8) As reference is made to the Academies, the “mother” of the club, the Ionian Amateur, comes to mind. What is your relationship with A.O. Ionian and how is the development of its activities seen?



I am especially happy when I see young children fans dealing with the mother of the club Amateur and giving a fresh air with a lot of appetite and great success. Our relations are harmonious and friendly and everything is clear between us and our cooperation is perfect wherever it is needed. Football may be the king of sports and have the greatest weight of all, but the creation of so many sections – sports by the Amateur and their impeccable organization give another value to our city and our club. As I am informed, the academies of all the Ionian Sports reach about 1200 children. Never before has the club reached such momentum.

9) How do you feel that your son is an athlete of the big team?



As every father would feel for his son. Only pride. In fact, he is doubly proud because he fights alone every day to become better and he has NEVER taken advantage of his father’s position. He sets goals and wants to achieve them on his own with value. Nobody gives it to him and so it is the right thing to do in sports.

10) Watch basketball. Are you a supporter of the Ionian basketball team?



I am a supporter of all sections of the Ionian. I want all departments to be successful and to be high. As I told you before, I am a fan of Ionikos and not a professional agent. I want the basketball department to have Health and to be high. I am very happy for the decent effort he made in the European Cup.

11) A message you want to send to the Ionian world?



To be united. We can often make mistakes and have anger and whining. This happens in Families, and Ionikos is Family. There is no one left in the great Effort that is made at all levels of our Association. The only thing left behind is our History and our Lack of Glory.

So let’s move on…

FOREVER IONIAN

Thank you very much for giving me a step on the Ionian Amateur Website. I warmly wish Health and Success to all our Departments “.

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