It is the ‘philosophy’ of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivan Vukomanovic that makes Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos a fiery presence in Blasters’ progress. Dimitri is a fan of Zlatan’s style of attacking when he becomes a forward. Ivan, on the other hand, is an ‘offensive’ coach who insists on finding goals. Diamantakos openly says that he remains in Blasters because the coach’s mind and his own will are one.
The nature of the Greek on the field is similar to this openness. The 30-year-old is a hard worker who gives everything on the field for the team without hiding any excitement, anger, joy or unhappiness.
Dimitri is aggressive like Zlatan. Diamantakos is Zlatan’s way, not only in finding goals, but also in igniting the enthusiasm of his teammates and fans. Diamantakos is ready to step back and win the ball back from opponents, speak up for teammates who are subjected to rough tackles, and give the referee a word or two if needed. Dimitri has a habit of keeping his chest open like Zlatan even if his opponents come to fight.
The Swedish player and the Greek player are ten out of ten in terms of fighting with the same energy and vigor for ninety minutes. All this is just a matter of the field. Apart from that, even if you look at Dimitrios Diamantakos in ink, there is no evidence of Zlatan. Despite having the looks of a fighter like Ibrahim, Dimi is as calm as Ivan Vukomanovic off the pitch. moderate speaker Loving behavior. A gentle man who does not hurt anyone with his words.
An angry presence that doesn’t allow even the toughest of opponents to ‘get on their shoulders’ on the field can be the exact opposite off it. Dimitri of Panambilly Nagar field is a loving presence who is ready to pose for photos with Ithirikkunjan fans on his shoulders who come to watch the Blasters training. City dwellers used to seeing various types of stars are amazed by the simplicity of foreign star Dimitrios Diamantakos as he crosses the busy roads of Kochi to drink coffee at Starbucks and become one of them in the midst of the fans who come to watch the training.
Dimitrios Diamantakos started his second season with the Blasters in a ‘blow’ to the fans. Diamantakos, who was the team’s top scorer last season, was injured during the preseason Durand Cup. The fact that the superstar left India with a minor injury and returned to his native Greece was not a small concern among the fans.. But Diamantakos returned from the injury faster than expected.
The forward, who rejoined the Blasters’ team in the UAE tour, is now all set to return to the field of ISL. The Greek striker, who led the Blasters attack with 10 goals and 3 goal assists in the ninth season of ISL, is preparing to repeat that performance again. Ahead of their home game against Jamshedpur FC, Diamantecos opens up about Blasters, the new season and their comeback.
Dimitrios Diamantakos with his Kerala Blasters teammates. (Photo: Special Arrangement)
? New season. There are many changes in the Blasters lineup. How to rate Kerala Blasters team in 10th season of ISL
∙ Expectations about Blasters are increasing every year. Many new stars came. Blasters can be said to have a new team this season. We have a very well balanced team. But the goal remains unchanged. We have to progress in the league from last year. The best team in the ISL should win the League Winners Shield. We will do whatever it takes.
? You were the top scorer of Blasters last season. The fans have high hopes for striker Dimitrios Diamantakos. What Dimitri has to say to the fans before playing the first match in the league
∙ I am happy to have scored many goals for Blasters in the first season of ISL. Once again I assure the fans, I will give my 100 percent for this team. My inspiration is Swedish striker Zlatan. Zlatan’s policy is to do whatever the team asks. That is what I am following. My style is to give everything for the team whenever I step on the field. Scored some goals last season. My aim is to score more goals than last time. The biggest thing is the happiness of the fans and the team. So I say – we will see more goals this year.
? You have a lot of new partners in the blasters’ attack this time around. Kwami Pepra, Daisuki Sakai, Ishan Pandita… how Dimitri looks at this new group and its diversity as a senior in the group
∙ I already said that Blasters have improved a lot this time. This time the advance line has also become sharper. With the arrival of more players, there is more possibility of selection in the promotion. The attack has intensified. All the new players in the team are very good players who are smart. We have a good competition to get on the field. Whoever is the best will play.
? You are the hero of the blasters movement. Last season, the team had some minor inaccuracies in their finishing. Especially when it comes to passing and pressing in the final third. Has the team made any special preparations to solve it this time?
∙ This time there will be no problems with the goal. The team has made efforts to improve the quality and sharpness of the game in the final third. This will give better results. One more thing to understand is that the league has just started. It is also a team with many new players. We will get better with each match. A very strong forward line will soon be on the field in the final third. Wait and see.
Dimitrios Diamantakos. (Photo: Special Arrangement)
? You are entering your second season with Serbian coach Ivan Vukomanovic. Ivan is a coach with many fans. About playing under Evan, what did you like most about Evan’s coaching philosophy?
∙ I am very happy to be able to play with Ivan Vukomanović. Because Ivan is a coach who understands football very well. Ivan’s approach is to always dominate the ball, create opportunities and find goals. He is interested in playing offensive football. This is the best as a striker. That’s why I love playing under Ivan. The current line-up is also one that suits Vukomanovic’s style of football.
? The combination of Adrian Luna and Dimitrios Diamantakos will be one of the game changers for Ivan Vukomanovic’s Blasters. The team’s chances also depend on your performance. How would you rate the chemistry between playmaker Luna and goaltender Diamantakos?
Luna and I played together last season. Luna is the player who gave me many assists to score goals. Luna also had more assists. We have very good communication on the field. Luna is the star who can understand my moves. I too can recognize his plans. Luna is a brilliant player who knows exactly where I want the ball. Playing with a player like that makes my job as a striker a lot easier.
? It has been said that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an inspiration. Who is your role model as a striker? What are the reasons behind it?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is my favorite player. The positive thing I see in Zlatan is his aggressive style. Zlatan can be seen with an aggressive attitude all the time on the field. He is a player who gives everything for the team for 90 minutes. The skill level as a striker is also very high. How many goals has Zlatan scored? This is why the Swedish star has become my role model.
? What are the role and positive aspects of striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, who model Zlatan, in Blasters’ finals?
∙ As you know, to be a striker means to score goals. That is the first and foremost responsibility. But that is not enough, as a striker you need to communicate well with your teammates. You need a good understanding with your teammates about where you want the ball and how you intend to score.
Dimitrios Diamantakos. (Photo: Special Arrangement)
Not only aiming for the goal, but also able to play with the ball at times. It also needs the strength to win direct confrontations with defenders. The most important thing is to always keep the ‘brain’ working. Maybe you should score even if the ball comes in just once. A decision must be made before even a moment comes.
The movements of the ‘head’ are also very important. My job at Blasters is not just scoring goals. As for Zlatan, I am also the player who is ready to give everything for the team for 90 minutes. Come back and get the ball, turn around and get ready to pass. My job is to create ‘space’ for fellow strikers and ‘supply’ the ball. When I drop back, opposing defenders follow. Then fellow strikers and wingers will have room to advance.
? Fans are waiting to see Diamantakos in yellow jersey in Kochi. They hope to recover from the injury and return to the field soon
∙ I hope to be able to play in the next match. Perhaps we will see in Sunday’s match against Jamshedpur. It is hoped that I will be there against Jamshedpur in Kochi, the stronghold of Blasters’ fans.
English Summary: Exclusive interview with Kerala Blasters FC player Dimitrios Diamantakos
2023-09-30 05:59:12
#Zlatan #Ivan #joined #Blasters #goal #machine #Diamantakos #coming #injury #target
