Fyssas: “We must win the supporters back”
In a recent interview, Takis Fyssas discussed the future for the Greek national team after two miserable results in September.
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This summer, 2004 European champion Fyssas returned to the Ethniki Omada, becoming the sporting director after John van ‘t Schip replaced Angelos Anastasiadis as the head coach. However, it wasn’t a great start for the Greek national team under the new leadership, as the nation lost 1-0 to Finland in Tampere and drew 1-1 against Liechtenstein in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.
Recently, 46-year-old Fyssas participated in an interview with gazzetta.gr, explaining his goals with the Ethniki and what he wants to change within the team:
Recent results: “These results haven’t made anyone proud. However, this is the start of laying down new foundations for the national team to build on. After every difficult period there is a new beginning. We must rebuild the Ethniki in order to achieve qualifications again.”
Creating a family atmosphere within the group: “Family is something very powerful. You have to feel it. Players must be dedicated and prepared to make personal sacrifices for the good of the team. Passion is needed. I returned to the national team to make changes.”
Comparison of this national team and the Ethniki of the past: “Everything in regards to the national team of my generation has changed. It’s all different.”
Five qualities which are needed to represent Greece: “The first thing is our mentality. Secondly, players must be fully dedicated to the national team, always giving their best for their country. Then, we have team spirit. Players have to drop their egos when competing for the national team. They must make sacrifices. The fourth thing is a clear set of rules. The players must feel that there is a balance. Finally, everyone has to have passion and desire to achieve positive results. The feeling of representing your country is unique.”
How to move forward: “We don’t want to think about the successes and failures of the past. This is a new beginning. We’ve come here to help the head coach, who has been working hard to get to know the players. He has been watching players in the flesh or on video. He needs time too. We will be by his side.”
Problem of fans not coming to matches in Athens: “We must win the supporters back. Greeks are intelligence, and if we start playing well again, they will return to the stadium. The fans are frustrated at the moment, but we can turn the situation around with hard work and belief. Crete, however, has always embraced us and I think that will continue if we eventually play at the Pankritio Stadium.”
Options on how to turn the situation around: “There are a number of things being discussed which will help move the national team forward. However, the players are the ones who compete on the pitch, not us. I feel as though I have returned home by working with the Ethniki again. I will do my best to help the team. I am convinced that the players will adopt our methods.”
The full interview can be read HERE at gazzetta.gr.
