Jovanovic: ‘Last year I would have told you if I would see the parade’

Panathinaikos’ win over Asteras and seven greens from seven left Ivan Jovanovic completely satisfied, who had enough of an appetite for fun at the press conference that followed, and with a remark he made when asked when he expected his team to arrive, sparked laughs made sure to reach the peak of his performance.

The Serb stressed that nobody could know and that when asked about it this time last year, he replied that he would not even make it to the parade.

Jovanovic noted that his team still have a lot of room for improvement, especially in possession, but also mentioned the motivation that everyone now has to conquer the top spot in the table.

Whether today’s win stands out from the rest:

“Basically we have respect for all teams. Asteras are a good and quality side. It was a very serious game when we think about the history and when we consider that our people were here for another game. There’s a lot. ” Pressure on the team and we had to face a team that was quite behind. He had experienced players. It can cover rooms well.

We were patient, finding solutions on offense and at the same time not being in danger with counterattacks or set pieces, Asteras is a team that can punish you.

I’m very happy about the win. Because of everything I mentioned and because it’s not easy to stay focused during the game, basically breathless for 2-3 games. We had problems both last week and this week. I was pleasantly surprised by my players.”

On what he thinks and what his team needs to improve against similar opponents:

“As a team we have a lot of room for improvement in the part that we prefer to have possession of the ball. In the regular part I’m satisfied with many things, but also with the commitment of the players, the self-sacrifice they show.

And before and after PAOK we had problems. Due to this long transfer window, not all of our players are 100% ready. We have players who haven’t played yet. With time and work together, we will improve many things in possession.

The main thing is discipline, self-sacrifice and respect for the opponent, the teammates, the fans and we are at a very good level.”

Whether the missing players or Asteras made it difficult for Panathinaikos and whether something worried them:

“Of course we are strict with ourselves in the team. We analyze all games, we don’t differ in anything from other teams that play in the league. We also have our problems during the game. In this year’s league all the results are an up and down in a goal, everyone fights everyone else, maybe he needs a bit more analysis, we don’t play alone.

We have good opponents against us. Even the teams that are in lower ranking positions don’t lose that easily. Nobody loses easily these days. So it requires both concentration and a lot of effort. We’re trying our best, we have to, but it’s only natural that we have good times and bad times as a team.

We have room for improvement. We have to find solutions if possible when the opponent is playing together. The right solutions and partnerships. We’re not in danger, but as far as offense goes, we have to find solutions.”

When does he expect to see Panathinaikos at his peak and if we’ve seen him so far:

“If you asked me this time last year and I told you in the playoffs, you’d be like, ‘Boy, you might not make the playoffs.’ We know it.

We have to improve through results. That is our task. We want to be on the pitch for as long as possible. There are many factors.

I think, as I say to the players, that we’re a team that needs improvement and that all the players are at the same level of preparedness, which we didn’t have at the time.”

For the following match with Lamia:

“The goal against Lamia is clear, but we will have difficulties. Lamia are a good team, definitely better than last year. Because we haven’t lost seven games, all teams have an additional incentive to play us. This is completely normal in football.

We respect all teams and prepare for every game as if it is the most important one, whether it’s a derby or a normal game, because I think the Greek league will be very difficult and the teams are strengthened.

Anyone can lose points. At this level we have to be focused, with a good mood and the idea that we have to prove something every time. I expect a difficult game in Lamia and it remains to be seen how we will be after this game as we had several unprepared players who didn’t have a full training program so we can see the appropriate options.”

On keeping his players humble:

“That’s the impression I have. I don’t find that kind of conversation in the dressing room. I’m very happy with the humility of my players. They’re humble guys, down-to-earth guys. Everyone’s trying. It’s a good group, who has good connections. It’s all healthy”.