Alexandros Tzorvas Interview
Alexandros Tzorvas, the Apollonas Smyrnis international goalkeeper, replied to the fans' questions and pointed out that "I feel nice because Apollonas has a romantic value that no other Greek club has." At the same time, he talked about his display this season: "I am lucky to work with Makis Veniamin who has played a decisive role in my display this season and I wish to thank him for this," and as regards his icon: "Among the footballers that played in Greece, I always had and always will have Wandzik in my mind. He was my childhood hero. I believe he is the best foreign goalkeeper that has ever played in Greece," and also talked about the man who has played a decisive role in the development of his career: "It was Takis Ikonomopoulos. Were it not for him, I would have had a different career." The full interview:
Question by Panayiotis Lampiris, Kostas Intzoglou
How difficult was it for you to adapt to the Italian championship after the Greek championship and to then return to the Greek championship again? Would you play for an international club again if you had the opportunity?
The differences between the football here when I left to play abroad and the football that is played in Italy and the football I found when I returned, are huge. Of course, things were not so bad when I left, but I went to a clearly better championship. I adapted to all circumstances since professional football players are obligated to do this. The most important thing is that we give our best under any circumstances.
I would really consider about leaving for a foreign championship again. I returned so I could be with my family. I would not take such a decision so easily. But you can never tell.
Question by Zoe Besleme
Do you see any vast differences in the Greek championship following your return to it after your two-year spell abroad?
Yes, there are vast differences mainly as regards the clubs' budgets. Also, as regards the quality of footballers playing in the league. Many clubs face financial problems that cannot be solved and, at the same time, we see historic clubs playing in lower divisions. There are footballers that in my opinion would not be able to play in the league in the past. Also, the stands are empty, there is no money and all this leads to a lower quality.
Question by Kostas Evangelos, Mihalis Petroulis, Konstantinos Karydis, Maggie Karabasis
Would you like to remain in Apollonas the following season as well? Do you feel at home in the club?
I feel close to the club's people. I would like to say once again that the president, his ethics and his principles are the same as mine and this is why I chose this club. Whether I will stay or not, will depend on many things. Let's wait and see…
Question by Georgios Kortelis, Nikolaos Karabasis
Do you believe that your displays this season will secure you a place in the Greek National Team that will participate in the World Cup?
This is not for me to tell. I hope so, but this is a decision to be made by the head coach. What I believe and what I say does not matter. I of course wish to be part of the squad, but this goes without saying in any case.
Question by Kostas Konstantinos
Do you believe that you have a quality team that will manage to not get relegated?
Our display in the second round proves that. Despite the difficulties of the first round, where we amassed very few points and suffered many losses, we improved our point-gathering greatly in the second round. I believe that we can do it in the last 8 matches, despite the fact that the match schedule is not favourable for us.
Question by Nassos Georgalis
How do you prepare before each match in order to be able to remain focused?
When I was younger, I prepared by doing an intense warm-up. Mainly when I played in Panathinaikos and had very few participations. I had to be ready during the 90 minutes in case I had to enter the match. Now that I am 31 years old, the warming up is less. I use my brain and my experience. This is the best warm-up in order to be alert.
However, the most important part is my weekly training. I am lucky to work with Makis Veniamin who has played a decisive role in my display this season and I wish to thank him for this.
Question by Lefteris Karabasis
Which Greek and which foreigner goalkeeper are your icons and why?
Among the footballers that played in Greece, I always had and always will have Wandzik in my mind. He was my childhood hero. I met him in person, I worked with him and we remain friends. I believe he is the best foreign goalkeeper that has ever played in Greece. This is the blessing in this job. To be able to work with such people.
As regards international goalkeepers, Buffon was at the top mainly due to his personality, in addition to the fact that he was the best goalkeeper in the world for many years. Casillas is second, a goalkeeper who has played many matches and has conquered everything.
Question by Mihalis Filandras
Which is the man that played a decisive role in your career?
My first and most important teacher was undoubtedly Takis Ikonomopoulos. He helped me a lot when I was 14 years old. When I was 15, he promoted me to the first team of Panathinaikos and we worked together for seven consecutive years both on and off the pitch in order for me to understand this position. Were it not for him, I would have had a different career.
Question by Antonis Vythoulkas
What is the feeling you get from playing for one of the most historic Greek clubs?
I feel nice because Apollonas has a romantic value that no other Greek club has. I see many children and families in the stands. There is no violence and the fans are close to the team, older fans passed on the love for the team to their families and stayed by the team's side even when it played in lower divisions. This makes me feel nice and romantic about my team.
Question by Dimitris Yiotis
What do you do in your spare time?
I am with my children. I have no other choice. I spend all my spare time with my wife and my children. This is the best way to be spending my time. All people with children can relate to this.
