Aitor: “You win the derby, I’m glad I stayed in the summer”

Interview by Aitor Kantalapiedra moderated the last game program of Panathinaikos in view of the big game tomorrow (Sunday 27/02, 19:30) with AEK at “Apostolos Nikolaidis” for the 25th game of the Super League.

The Catalan winger spoke about losing the first round game in OAKA, the big chance he missed early in the second half, but also about staying with the team last summer, stressing that “… I really appreciate it feel good in “Panathinaikos. I like to be here.”

Aitor’s interview in detail in the “Greens” game show:

-The regular season is coming to the finals and it’s time for the derby with AEK. It’s a prestige match, but it’s also crucial because winning is necessary. What is the situation of the team ahead of this important game?

“We feel good and we’re optimistic and determined. I think the team is playing well. But if the ball doesn’t want to go in, then there’s a problem. Unfortunately, we don’t finish the games properly when we have it.” “We’re more focused on finishing the stages that we create, to score goals and finish our games well. But it’s clear that we believe in our game and we’re quite optimistic because we’re playing football well.”

-So do you think that in some games the team’s inefficiency is mainly related to the lack of concentration in certain phases, either in defense or in attack?

“Yes, I think so, but that’s football. We know, of course, that we don’t score easily. And if you don’t score, you don’t deserve points. But I’ll say we’d be a lot more worried.” when we didn’t create chances, when we didn’t have possession, when we didn’t dominate the game, when we didn’t have the appetite to fight on the field, and all of these are elements that we’ve improved this year…”.

– You mentioned Panathinaikos’ footballing improvement in recent months. Given that you’re spending your second season with the team and seeing last season as a player from the inside, do you feel that difference in the Panathinaikos game?

“Of course there is no doubt about that. I think we really won every game this year compared to last year. We are much better as a team…”.

– In the first round game with AEK in OAKA, Panathinaikos obviously had the upper hand but ended up losing the big stages. Is the Avenue game an opportunity for a little revenge, among other things?

“We were better, but we didn’t take anything from the game. The opponent got the three points. But we know what we have to do and we know their strengths and weaknesses. We have to come back on the pitch with commitment and focus on our goal: “From the first second. You don’t play the derbies, you win the derbies…”.

-In this game you had a huge chance to score, but as football has shown us many times, everything goes in and everything loses. Is this phase an additional motivation for you to fight even more stubbornly?

“This is football. Even Messi and Cristiano are losing it! So anyone can lose it. The truth is that it was an unfortunate moment, but it is a thing of the past. Now we ourselves will try to do everything in the game that leads to it leads victory”.

– We see that over time you increase your performance, score goals, share assists, play an active role in the team and take initiatives. How does Aitor feel on the pitch?

“I feel very good! And the team, apart from the results, I see that they have made progress in their game. I feel really good on the pitch and I think that’s visible. It seems! I think , that our tactics and in general “The way we play helps me feel good and comfortable and I hope that we continue to play good football to achieve all the goals that we have set for ourselves as a team .”

-Where do you like to play more on the field?

“I like to move between the lines and always be in contact with the ball…”.

-Last summer was a bit strange for you as there were scenarios about your departure from the team. But you stayed and now have a leading role. How did you experience this time and what followed?

“Summer is over! But really, back then I wasn’t doing well mentally after last season, which was very bad for me and for everyone. However, our coach, Jovanovic, is a coach who likes to play football, good football . I really liked his idea for the game. And I really feel very comfortable at Panathinaikos. I like being here and I’m very happy to be here.”

-How is your life in Athens?

“I’m having a good time! I’m very happy. I’m with my wife and dog and we’re having a good time. The weather is nice and the city is beautiful…”.

-What is your free time like outside of football and training?

“I like to walk with my wife, with my dog. I like to enjoy the Greek life. Drinking coffee with friends outside in the sun. But in general I like the quiet life. I’m a man of the house Turn on movies and pass my hours in peace.”

-Favorite kitchen?

“The Italian!”

-And of Greek food, what is your favorite thing?

“The barley…”.

– Do you watch other sports or do you just prefer football?

“I watch American football! I also like basketball and I watch the Euroleague. I’m an athlete in general, I like all sports.”

– What will Aitor be happy with at the end of the season in terms of team and individual goals?

“My personal goals are the team’s goals, so it’s important that the team achieves its goals from a player’s personal goal. I believe we can achieve an important goal, which is Panathinaikos’ return to European competitions.” and in the cup, where we are already in the semifinals”.