Giorgos Koutroubis Interview

In his exclusive interview for the www.superleaguegreece.net site, Panathinaikos centre-back Giorgos Koutroubis stated that "our goal was to have a better campaign in comparison to last year, which was one of the worst seasons in the history of the club," and at the same time pointed out that "the club is at a really good level right now.  However, all this is theoretical since we need to prove ourselves on the pitch and you can never tell for sure how things will turn out." The full interview:

 

Question by Petros Pappas

What was the goal set by the club at the beginning of the season?

Our goal was to have a better campaign in comparison to last year, which was one of the worst seasons in the history of the club. Following that and given the many changes in the roster, our first goal was to connect as a team as soon as possible and to have a high-standard stable performance.

 

There is one matchday left for this year's championship – what is your opinion on the club's campaign this season?

Our campaign this season comprised of two stages. During the first round and until we knew what we were doing on the pitch, we had many ups and downs. During the second round and in particular during the important matches, we proved how much we had improved and we are ready and in the best possible condition we could be for the play-offs.

 

Question by Vassilios Papahronopoulos

Do you believe that the team can win the Greek cup and also win the first place in the play-offs?

Right now, the team has a really good level and does not seem to lag in comparison with the other contenders. However, all this is theoretical since we need to prove ourselves on the pitch and you can never tell for sure how things will turn out.

 

Question by Kostas Tsakiridis

Are you satisfied with your display this season?

I would say that I am. I even had more playing time during the second round and I believe that the coach must have been happy with my performance most of the times he used me.  Both the whole team and I needed time in the beginning so we could adjust to the new status quo.

 

Question by Tassos Pliatsikas

Which personal characteristics did you improve this season, in your opinion?

I work with my coach on my tactics so I can improve even more.  Also, as time goes by, I gain more experiences and this is very important, in particular given the position I play in.

 

Question by Alex

Do you believe that Schildenfeld's presence has helped the young defenders of the team? What experiences have you gained by playing with him?

You always get better when you play together with an experienced player. The same is true for Gordon who plays together both with me and often with the other young players and his presence is calming giving us security and confidence.

 

Question by Giorgos-Christos Antonopoulos

You started playing football when you were a young boy. Was it your goal to become a professional football player or did it just happen along the way?

I indeed started playing football when I was really young and I finally managed to make my dream come true.

 

Were you not a professional footballer, what would you rather be and why?

I never thought about doing something else, football offers me all I ask.

 

Question by Konstantinos Tsakiridis

What are your personal and professional goals?

I would like to become one of the permanent starting 11 players for Panathinaikos for many years and also to play for the Greek National Team and in a bigger league. As regards my team, what I want for it is that it starts winning titles again.

 

Question by Vangelis Baganas

How do you think of your future and the future of Panathinaikos in the next 2-3 years?

I will continue working hard in order to improve my weak points and to become even better by fulfilling the goals I have set and by winning titles with Panathinaikos