Sokratis Dioudis Interview

"The classification list does not reflect the potential of our club. We have a good team, but we have to try even harder to start achieving good results," pointed out Sokratis Dioudis in his exclusive interview for the official website of the Super League. Then, the young goalkeeper of Aris stated the following: "I owe a lot to Aris. This is where I became a footballer and I feel emotionally attached to the club," while when asked which one is his most impressive save, he replied that: "it was the save in the final of the European U19 Football Championship against Spain." The full interview:

 

Question by Lefteris T.

What are the reasons behind the club's bad start, according to your opinion?

"The truth is that we started this campaign with greater expectations in comparison with last season and we definitely did not expect the results of the first matchdays.

On the other hand, though, we should not forget that this is a fresh roster, with many new players and we need some time to reach our full potential.

The classification list does not reflect the potential of our club. We have a good team, but we have to try even harder to start achieving good results.  We need a victory in order to go higher in the classification list and for our psychology to improve as well."

 

Question by Lefteris Kordatzis

Do you think that the team needs more players in some positions and if so in which?

"Given that there was limitation in transfers this year, it is reasonable that the club had to make specific choices. Therefore, the fans should be patient, support us and trust the existing roster."

 

Question by Themis Moutsokapas

What should the fans expect from now on?

"Already in the last match against Levadiakos, the team was improved and it should have won. In the following matches – starting with the match against Xanthi in Pigadia – we will be even better and I think it is only a matter of time until we start winning, something both the fans and us want."

 

Question by Paraskevas Stavropoulos

With the coming of the new coach, do you think that the club can compete in the play-offs?

"We work very hard with the new coach. Our main concern is to win the points that will elevate our position in the classification list and then, without any stress, to try and go as high as possible."

 

The next match is against Skoda Xanthi. Is this yet another final?

"It is still very early in the season to be talking about 'finals'. Without a doubt it is an important match - both as regards the points and the psychological aspect - and I hope we will be able to win our first match there."

 

Question by Theofilos Hanos

As with many young players, I imagine that your dream is to play for a club abroad. Is this your dream as well? If you did not receive any proposals from any international clubs, would you consider playing for another Greek club?

 

"Given that I have a contract with Aris, I am only interested in my club and I will do my best so that it has a successful display in the championship.

Following that, the prospect of playing for an international club is any young player's dream. If and when I receive a serious proposal from an international club, I will first talk with Aris, because besides my future, I wish for the club to also gain from this.

"Besides, I owe a lot to Aris. This is where I became a footballer and I feel emotionally attached to the club."

 

Question by Panagiotis Vlahoudis

What is the proper position of a goalkeeper when his team takes a corner kick and which one when the opponent team takes a corner kick? What should he pay attention to in both cases?

"This is a purely technical issue, for which we are always given the proper instructions by the coaches and it always works in conjunction with the defenders. What I can do from my part is give proper instructions to my teammates so that they can get proper positions in order to minimise any risks to be scored a goal."

 

Question by Tassos Grigoriadis

What would be your advice to a young goalkeeper? What should he focus on in order to evolve?

"Although I personally am still really young and have a lot to learn, what I can say with certainty to a younger player is that along with working properly, he should also stay focused on his goal and be psychologically prepared, since a goalkeeper depends greatly on psychology."

 

Question by Katerina Hristidou

What do you think is your most impressive save?

"I believe that my most difficult and impressive save was during the final of the European U19 Football Championship against Spain, when following a shot outside the area, I managed to slightly deflect the ball with the tips of my fingers, with the ball then hitting the post."

 

What is your favourite hobby?

"I like to do other sports as well – mainly during the holiday season when I have some spare time. I like tennis and fishing."