Jovanovic: “No mistakes are allowed in these games, we were competitive until the end”

Despite falling behind 3-0 against Villarreal, Panathinaikos managed to reduce the score to 3-2 but missed the chance to equalize and now have Conference League qualification in their hands if they beat Maccabi Haifa Leoforo.

Ivan Jovanovic argued at the end of the game that his team had once again shown that they were competitive, but in these games mistakes were forbidden.

What he said in detail: About the game: “Our goal was to be aggressive given the points situation. We had to try to play our game. Create. In the first half it was an even game, due to a few mistakes we conceded two goals without the difference between the two teams being that big.

After the third goal it became difficult for us. We were faced with a difficult situation that we had never faced before. We tried to get into the game until the end. We made it. It was a very good game in the second half, we tried to stay competitive until the end. It leaves a bitter taste in our mouths“.

Whether it leaves a good or bad taste in his mouth: “You know things are different in Europe. We want experience, this is the first year we have managed to get into the Europa League through qualification. We played against good teams from good leagues and we can’t make any mistakes in these games. We were competitive in all games. They are important experiences for everyone and for trying to do something more.

Villarreal are a good team and can exploit closed spaces. We can learn a lot from this game from both sides. Managing the result, especially when the game was going badly for us, gave the feeling that we were a competitive team in all games, regardless of how the game developed.”