Alexis Albanos on Sportish: “At AEK it is clear that you play for the jersey first”

The AEK handball team achieved a total of 10 titles in its history, winning its fifth championship Alexis Albanos He’s the man who took her by the hand and led her across the crossing when the red “stop” flashed.

After leaving the role of his first men’s head coach, he revamped Union, brought it back into the headlines and then quietly reflected on the new page of his career. “It was a good start.”

Talk to Sportish for the title AEK won, for the changes he made to the team, for the power of his inaccessible HQ, and for the mutual respect that strengthens teams.

“Before the final, I reminded my players that no opponent passed our pitch. No opponent bothered us or made it so difficult for us to achieve the desired result on our pitch.”

It is a ground that is very difficult for the opponent to play on. I also asked them to express their personality and enjoy the game.

I saw that happen. Of course, in a game with a very high tempo and high pressure, mistakes are made. It’s difficult to reach your best level in a game like this, even against a worthy opponent like Olympiacos.

My partners and the management that the team entrusted to me during this difficult time after losing two titles also have a part in this success.

It’s a burden considering the team has lost two titles, we’ve made a complete makeover with 12 new players and I’m a new manager.

I had to take on that burden and prove to myself – knowing who I am – and to others that I deserve to be here.”

The coach emphasized the special weight of the headquarters and fans of AEK.

“The crowd and the fact that the last game was played at home helped us a lot. Others might find that stressful.”

These two teams have a lot of people and it’s an extra pressure to play in such places, it’s very difficult. The seat has an effect and to have that advantage in the final we drove via Calvary.

The championship was very strong. The reason we had home advantage is because we were consistent throughout the league.

In my opinion, that showed that we were the better team. If we analyze the year we will see that there are very competitive places and teams – like Olympiacos – have had a difficult time.

Apart from a few small exceptions, we had no problems at home or away. The league is very competitive. The teams have invested and a lot of great kids are coming into the sport.”

The pressure was great, the criticism too and the doubts even greater, but in the end we made it

Alexis Albanos, who successfully transitioned from the position of AEK Academies coach after defeating Olympiakos in the 5th final, felt he had won a personal bet.

“I’ve been very happy about it! Because it was like a bet for me this year that I’ll find myself in the position of first coach of the men’s team.”

After last season’s failure with the loss of both titles for the team – and the cup even to the underdog (Pylaia) – within 10 months we managed to put together a new team with 12 transfers and win the championship.

The pressure was great, the criticism too and the doubts even greater, but in the end we made it.

The coach’s first support is his players. Even though the team had new players, we said from the start that we will function as a family and that everyone will support each other and find solutions to the mistakes we will all make. We all make mistakes, but in the end, mutual respect wins.

That was the key to success. It is important to enjoy the respect of your players and respect them too. That way, they know your decisions are only for the good of the team.

AEK operates as a complete family. We also celebrated the soccer championship in Philadelphia. The players also support the other sports of the club and the same do the other divisions towards handball.

One department supports the other and it shows in the world of AEK. Although most of them are football fans, they follow AEK teams everywhere.

This fact, combined with the help of PAE to the extent she is responsible for, so that the amateur departments have the appropriate budget and, of course, with the support of Mr. Papastamati, bring the department health necessary to achieve their goals.”

At AEK it is clear that you play for the shirt first

Alexis Albanos treats the Union with professionalism but also romance and he explained why.

“In teams like this, the weight of the jersey matters. At AEK it is clear that you play for the shirt first and then for yourself, your ego and your level.”

Everyone knows where he is, there’s a load on his back, which is nice at the same time, especially when he’s running to packed stadiums.

Great athletes have gone through AEK, who have come very close to the team, like Bakaoukas, Papadopoulos, Kafatos, Tsaousis, the coach Yiannis Arvanitis… I don’t want to forget anyone.

Everyone who built up the handball department during the difficult years. All have helped AEK reach this peak. Great athletes who loved AEK so much – during difficult years – and formed a strong bond with him.

Having gone through difficult times with the team myself, I am proud that it has reached this peak.