Donis understands challenge, Ouzounidis focused on beating former employers
Donis understands challenge, Ouzounidis focused on beating former employers
Panathinaikos manager Giorgos Donis understands the difficulty of playing AEK in the upcoming Athens derby, while opposing coach Marinos Ouzounidis is eager to defeat his former employers.
Despite starting the Super League with a six-point deficit, Panathinaikos have been superb so far this season by winning six of the opening eight matches, however they lost 0:2 to league leaders PAOK on Monday and this game against AEK will prove whether the young Greens are ready to make an unlikely challenge for a top-four spot. AEK have endured a mixed start to the campaign, but the Enosis were impressive last week, thrashing Aris 4:0 inside an empty Olympic Stadium. Both Panathinaikos and AEK share the same arena in the Marousi region of Athens.
Trifylli boss Giorgos Donis knows that his players will have to be at their best to beat the reigning Greek champions:
Thoughts on AEK: “AEK won the 2017/2018 Super League and have a good team. For us, it will be a very difficult match, and we have to be fully prepared to play at the best of our abilities.”
Extra pressure on Panathinaikos after impressive start: “It’s true that more is demanded of this team after starting the season well, we’re judged as a good team now. We wanted to be considered a strong side.”
In a conversation with television channel ERT, Panathinaikos captain Dimitris Kourbelis also shared his expectations for the upcoming derby at the OAKA:
“In these matches, you have to show desire and passion, but the winner will be the team which takes advantage of its opportunities. You have to be effective.”
AEK head coach Marinos Ouzounidis, who previously managed Panathinaikos in the 2017/2018 season, is focused on beating his former employers:
Special feeling of playing Panathinaikos: “As a player, I represented Panathinaikos, before later coaching the team. I have huge respect for Panathinaikos, it’s a big club, and I did my best for the organisation when I worked there. I am glad to see the team’s young players develop on the pitch. However, I am the head coach of AEK and I want to win this match.”
The 2017/2018 season in charge of the Greens: “It was a really difficult year. I’m happy to see that the Panathinaikos players have emerged from that tough period, but tomorrow, I am focused on winning the game.”
Impressions of the young Panathinaikos team: “They have an excellent team with strong players. Anastasios Chatzigiovannis has played with the seniors for a few years, Giannis Bouzoukis played last year, and they have more experienced players like Dimitris Kourbelis, Matias Johansson, Emanuel Insua, Ousmane Coulibaly and Anthony Mounier. We saw their weaknesses against PAOK, but with the support of their fans, they will react. We have to be psychologically ready.”
Displeasure with the performance against Aris: “We defeated Aris 4:0, but I wasn’t pleased with our play. I expected us to play a lot better. Still, in the second half, we did make a notable improvement and our players’ quality made the difference. We need to be even more focused on the match.”
Alternatives on the bench: “It’s important to have great players both on the pitch and waiting on the bench. We must have different guys who can change the game. It is key to have alternatives.”
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: sport-fm.gr
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