The Greek national team welcomes Ireland tomorrow in the “G. Karaiskakis” (21:45), with Ivan Jovanovic mentioning in the usual press conference that “the players wanted to do something historic for George and they got the victory in the match against England”!
The statements of the Federal coach in detail:
– Whether the appearance in England is close to what he wants: “My reasoning is to create a team and the profile that suits us in our mentality and characteristics. It’s definitely not easy. They are the first games where we try to create something. Improvement is probably only through games. The match in England was much better than the previous ones. Depending on the opponent we approached the game to win. We must not hide. It was a great performance from all the players. This was seen both when things were going well and when we were under pressure. It is something that everyone likes and expresses us. Let’s keep it as long as we can.
-On how Baldock’s death was treated by internationals: “It was difficult. They are new guys. It was hard to control my own emotions. Let alone check on the kids. Perhaps the game also helped them to do something that they know will forever be written in history. How it will go down as a great show to honor George. It’s many feelings to many people. As a team we showed a unity which led us to a great game.
-On the psychology of the team: “I am a coach. I can’t take the role of psychologist to a point where some are serious about it. This characterizes us as a people. Selfishness and courage. When there are difficulties we have them. The players showed it in conditions that were not easy. How long can we keep this up? It’s something that when you succeed, you’ll have something to lean on for the future.”
About Tsimika and Constantelia: “They had some problem with fever. Probably some virus. Today let’s see how it is. They had fever for two days. I hope they are well and we can have them. They feel good temporarily. Let’s see their reaction after training.”
-About the match with Ireland: “Ireland is a very serious team. A team that has that national feeling. They are a team that fights and tries for 90 minutes. The 1st game we won was decided in the details. He comes here in a much better frame of mind. Let’s have respect. We have to be just as good competitively. We need to have good standard performance to get good results. Not all games are the same. I consider tomorrow’s game against Ireland to be very demanding as well.”
-On the full stadium for Sunday: “I’m happy about it. It’s normal for me. I know how a sports fan thinks. What it’s like to have a team that represents him. We had emphasized how in the last 10 years we didn’t have big events, people didn’t have a chance to express themselves. England’s victory made the world proud. There is an increasing obligation to keep our world together and continue to be proud of the players who represent them.”
-On what to expect: “I think there weren’t many differences with the two games. Ours with Ireland and Ireland with Finland. It’s not easy. It shows that they are a team that is looking to change the score in the game. It will be a tough game. We can’t change much. It is important to see which team will be in better condition as both teams played important games for two days”.
-On whether the doubles is the beginning of Greece returning to major tournaments: “I haven’t thought about what was happening in 2003. I am definitely interested in whether this game against England is an opportunity for better results and certainly with presence in major competitions I was the happiest coach. It depends a lot on us. I believe that my players, their personalities and way of thinking and that they want to do something special with the National Team is a motivation that for me is very important.
For the sport that is the most loved in Greece. It is the great effort that we must make and our responsibilities that we must assume. This victory puts us in another process. We wanted this victory. Now we have a nice challenge because we have to deal with the ramifications of this victory. I don’t know. I don’t think about my adjustment. I have very big responsibilities for what I have undertaken. My role with the kids is to try and show how we are worthy of the position we hold.”
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