BABIS LYKOGIANNIS INTERVIEW

The 19-year-old Olympiacos midfielder Babis Lykogiannis in his exclusive interview for the official website of the Super League, talked about his debut Champions League match and said he is "happy about his first participation." The young footballer's childhood dream was to become a professional football player and he noted that "I am happy to have this opportunity to make my dream come true!" He pointed out on the one hand the fact that the conditions in the club are ideal and on the other that: "I have teammates with vast experience who help me a lot and this makes me really happy. What I want is to be given more opportunities to participate in as much matches as possible in order to prove my worth."

Question by Kostas Vryzas
How do you feel about your first participation in the Champions League groups?
I am happy about my first participation. I wish to thank the coach that gave me this opportunity to participate in this top club competition.

Question by Giorgos Logaridis
Has your life begun to change? How do people treat you?
I would say that is has changed to some degree. All people close to me are very happy to see me play for Olympiacos and encourage me to continue and improve even more.

Question by Christos Koukouzas
Where do you see yourself three years from now? Would you like to stay in Olympiacos?
It goes without saying that I would wish to stay. If I continue working the way I do now, I believe I can achieve even more with my club, and on a personal level too.

Your next opponent is OFI in "Georgios Karaiskakis" stadium. How do you prepare for this particular match?
It is a tough game, without a doubt. What we have to do and what we do is to focus on this, since OFI is a dangerous club.  If we do what we know to do, we will have a strong chance to win.

Question by Panagiota Exarhou
What is your impression from the A team and what are your personal goals for this season?
The atmosphere is ideal. We are a family. I have teammates with vast experience who help me a lot and this makes me really happy. What I want is to be given more opportunities to participate in as much matches as possible in order to prove my worth.

What is your opinion on this season's championship so far? In what ways is it similar and different in comparison to last year's?
We are clearly ahead of our main opponents in the championship. Olympiacos is a different team than last season, with young players in the squad. The similarity in comparison with last year's championship is that we are the favourite once again to win the title and I believe we will achieve this.

What do you believe are your strong and weak points as a player?
I need to work more on my right foot. I would also like to learn more as regards tactics, as I do in our everyday training sessions in the Rentis training centre.

What would you advise a young player who wishes to become a professional player?
To be focused on his work, to give his best every day in training and matches, to listen to his coaches and to be patient.

Question by Maria Katelakis
What is your opinion about women's football?
I believe it is noteworthy, it can be as exciting as men's football and that fans should watch it.

What is your favourite hobby?
In my spare time, when I have any, I enjoy playing basketball. I am really fond of swimming too and like to swim whenever I have the time.

Were you not a footballer, what would you rather be?
My dream was to become a professional football player. I did not think of anything else and still do not think of anything else. I am really happy I have the opportunity to make my dream come true!