Jovanovic: “The world will… give us wings, but qualification will be decided by our decisions”

Ivan Jovanovic, at the press conference on Monday afternoon (28/8) at the OAKA ahead of Tuesday night’s second leg against Braga, stressed that he was happy that the Olympic Stadium would be full and people would give wings to the players, but he pointed out that the The outcome of the match and qualification will be determined by the decisions of its players on the pitch.

He also spoke about Sporar, the big missed opportunity in Portugal but also the support of the Panathinaikos crowd in the game against Volos.

Significantly, Ivan Jovanovic said at the pre-Braga game press conference:

There are often plans that are overturned during training. Do you think that after the first game we will see a similar game?

“We don’t have a lot of options in that regard. The sole purpose is to win to reverse the outcome against us. In all games we wanted the result to be decided in both games based on the first game we have to win.” “Braga are a side that are used to it and have the necessary experience. It’s going to be an open game, it’s difficult to pursue a goal and especially not for us who have to turn the tables.”

Guardiola said of the Champions League that it was five minutes into the first game

“That makes sense because when it’s two games, the outcome of the first game can always dictate different conditions for the second game. In the first game we were pretty good for the most part. In the end we could have conceded more goals.” We also reduced that, which gives us our chances. The result not only depends on us, but also on the opponent. We have more experience than Braga. I don’t expect big differences, we need to reduce some mistakes, but not many were designed to be safe on the pitch.

Panathinaikos has scored the most goals at the end of the matches. Is that something you want?

“Being competitive to the end is important for any team and it shows throughout the game. In the phase we are in, in the pressure we feel and in the good moments of us and the opponent, the functioning of the team gives confidence to everyone. We mustn’t forget that the guys who came off the bench helped us a lot. It’s a knockout game and when we get here the team’s confidence is at a pretty high level.”

The team has made great strides in the last two years and Panathinaikos even fought for the Champions League. How nice to have 18 to 20 players and to be able to count them all. Is that the most important element?

“Certainly Panathinaikos is different in terms of their squad compared to two years ago. The real protagonists are the footballers, which most of them were two years ago. The story of the crew and its people who never stopped believing will show us tomorrow night.” a full OAKA. We have an obligation to continue to put on a good face in Greece and in Europe.”

Unlike the team’s previous games, we watched Panathinaikos play until the last second. Is that what you ask of your players in the pre-game talks or at half-time?

“To be honest we always talk about playing to the end with what we have. That comes from the team itself. If the game we play serves that purpose. Things are different in qualifying because we know that’s what we live for.” Those two games. The concentration, the drive for awards is something new for us this year and that’s why we’re more focused. Either someone fights or they come in and then try and that has helped us so far in these Champions League qualifiers.”

We saw in the league game how people applauded Sporar, it shows in the dressing room how people even accept the mistake and secondly, how much can that affect the image of tomorrow’s game?

“The whole scene with Sporar and the missed opportunity reaches the point of hyperbole that typifies all of us here in Greece. We think more about the unfortunate things than the positive. I had no doubt that that’s the reality.” What it’s playing in a stadium. And the people of Panathinaikos showed their superiority and the most important thing is what Sporar felt as he went to warm up. What happened to Sporar happened to many footballers, the best in the world missed great chances We wait in the corner to criticize. Sporar understood there under real conditions that Panathinaikos and his fans will be by our side in difficult times.

As for the atmosphere, I have to say that the fans will support us. The whole press conference was about the atmosphere, but Braga have been playing in big stadiums for years. In any case, we are very happy that OAKA will be full. The atmosphere is different, the game is different. We will rely more on the forces on the pitch, we have to make decisions and the outcome of the game depends on us. I’m happy and the presence of the fans reflects the greatness of Panathinaikos. The world will give us wings, but we have to be strong and make the right decisions.”