TASOS VENETIS INTERVIEW

Tasos Venetis, the Kerkyra defender, exclusively on the Super League website, talks about his club's presence in the championship so far. "In general and given this year's circumstances, we are content," adding that: "Kerkyra can be even better," at the same time talking about the composition of the squad: "This year, we try to merge tradition with youth." Finally, in reply to a question posed by a fan on whether he considers finishing his football career in Kerkyra, he replied that: "Kerkyra feels like my second home. Of course, one may never tell how things will turn out, but, to be honest, yes, I have considered finishing my football career here…" The full interview:

Question by Dimitris Syrmatsis
The crisis has offered young players the opportunity to distinguish themselves and prove their abilities. Do you have any new talents in Kerkyra that could make a name for themselves in Super League? Based on your experience, who are the ones expected to have a remarkable career?
"Indeed, this year in Kerkyra we have several young and worth mentioning players. And I am convinced that, many among them, can use this opportunity and distinguish themselves, provided of course that they work hard for it. However, permit me not to name any individual players. Because everyone is trying hard and give their best every day."

Question by Kostas Vryzas
What is your opinion on the squad's performance so far?
"In general and given this year's circumstances, we are content. We have a completely new squad, which, however, improves with each passing game, because the good and hard work starts to be evident in the pitch as well. We have also started amassing points to a satisfactory degree, although I believe we could have won another two-three extra points."  

Question by Pavlos Kontos
Do you believe that the squad can improve further or has it reached its peak?
"Of course Kerkyra can improve even better. As I said before, there is some improvement which, with each passing game, multiplies. We have still lots of room to improve, besides, we are still in the first fixtures of the season. As long as the young players, in particular, gain experiences, their potential is unlocked and they adjust themselves better to the Super League standards, the squad will become more cohesive and improve further. Besides, best is the enemy of good…"

Question by Mihalis Lintovois
As one of the most experienced and older players in the squad, since you play for Kerkyra for the fourth consecutive year, do you believe that it will be harder for you to stay in the 1st National Division this season?
"Each season has its specific characteristics and struggles. Thus, this season, it may seem that our work is harder, we should however base our judgment on the general conditions of a "strange" championship in general. Therefore, whatever we may say, it will be based on theory and, possibly, risky. Besides, all is proven in the pitch…"

Question by Themistoklis Kritikos
If not this season, then could this squad make it higher in the ranking of the championship compared to the club's positions in previous seasons?
"This year, we try to merge tradition with youth." And as regards the older players, I should point out that most of them did not play regularly last season. Therefore, the more the championship progresses, this merging will expand. So, progressively, to create a basis that, if maintained, it could really create a competitive squad that can fight to reach a higher position in the ranking.

Question by Panagiotis Galos
Have you regretted returning to Greece and not continuing playing abroad?
"Based on my age – since when I returned to Greece I was just 23 years old – I have indeed thought that I could have played for some more years abroad. In any case, however, I chose to return. And I never regret my choices and decisions.

Question by Iasonas Poulis
What is your opinion as regards the club's new shirt? Are the comments positive on this return to the traditional Kerkyra shirt?
"The fans' reaction is that they are very satisfied. The fact that the new shirts use Kerkyra's traditional colours has been favourably accepted and, if I may add, was a demand of the fans. The fans are always attached to beloved symbols, something that is absolutely understandable, reasonable and, of course, respectable.  And in general, in any case, I believe that these are really nice shirts that we also enjoy very much as well…"

Question by Efthymios Koskinas
What are your best moments with Kerkyra so far?
"From my first day in the club, I only have good moments! The club was promoted during my first season here, and remained in the Super League for the next two years… These are astonishing achievements in the club's history. I am sure you understand I cannot distinguish between them. They all belong to me. They form a really beautiful "mosaic". And I am also happy that I was part of this considerable history…"

Question by Spyros Voutsinas
What would you like to say to the fans and in particular to the Vourligans fan club, that always support the club?
"Yes, to always be on our side – what else? Using the same ways and strength with which they have supported and loved Kerkyra FC so far. And, from our side, I would like to assure them that we will do our best, in every match, to fulfil our goal. And in the end, we will all celebrate together again…"

Question by Giorgos Tombros
What is your opinion on the Kerkyra fans who, although they are not tens of thousands in numbers, as in some of your previous clubs (e.g. Larisa/OFI), they try to follow the club everywhere? Does this help the players psychologically despite the fact that the supporters are not numerous?
"Without a doubt… It does help and in fact a lot. And, of course, in away matches. The supporters may not be numerous, as you mentioned, but they boost the psychology of a club, a player, that goes to another club's stadium and knows, sees, feels that there are fans there supporting his club, people who have travelled many kilometres to offer their support. Take for example our recent match against Aris, in Thessaloniki…"

Question by Nikos Balos
Having completed four years in the club, do you ever consider staying and finishing your football career, when the time comes, in Kerkyra?
"As you said, this is my fourth year in the island. Additionally, the previous seasons were consistently successful. Thus, it is reasonable to say that Kerkyra feels like a second home to me. Of course, one may never tell how things will turn out, but, to be honest, yes, I have considered finishing my football career here…"

Question by Spyros Dimeggelis
What is your opinion as regards the participation of the Greek National Team in the preliminaries for the World Cup?
"As we speak, the National Team is at the top of its group. So, what else can you say, besides judging it as successful? Our National Team has learned how to be successful these last years, it is in its DNA by now. And this has given her a winning attitude, not taking into account of course the team's value. Therefore, I believe that the team will make it to Brazil!"

Question by Anastasios Koskinas
What are your hobbies and how is life in the island?
"Given the schedule of a footballer, I live a quiet life. I stay at home with my family, with friends or teammates and their families, or go out for a coffee or to eat out… As regards life in the island, I would say that it is ideal for a professional football player with a family. And of course I need not say anything more about Corfu. It is simply a magnificent place…"