Argyris Pedoulakis and Dimitris Diamantidis were present at the Press Conference held at the “Divani Caravel” hotel prior to the Greek Cup Final (Olympiacos-Panathinaikos, February 10, 18.30). Olympiacos was represented by Giorgos Bartzokas and Vassilis Spanoulis and HBF was represented by Panagiotis Tsagronis (HBF Secretary General) and Aristidis Golemis (member on the HBF board of directors and President of the championships’ committee).
Panathinaikos Head Coach, Argyris Pedoulakis, stated: “It is the most defining game up to date. Both teams gave their very best in the previous games amongst each other and set a good example. We want to be ready, we are a new team and there is no tomorrow”.
Concerning comparisons to Zeljko Obradovic Pedoulakis stated: “To me, Zeljko Obradovic is the best coach across Europe and alongside the Giannakopoulos family they built the Panathinaikos myth. We all would have wished to have been back in the 2008 or 2009 team, but the given facts have changed in the country. To us it is an inspiration. The team has changed. We have only three guys who have played in such a derby before. We are a fist and we are committing a new start. It is easier to cross a blackboard with an X than right a sentence. We are trying to right a sentence. It will take time. Welike pressure. No one player was ever able to play in his first year with Panathinaikos. I am the wave crusher of the entire situation for the guys and I prefer it to be so”.
The Panathinaikos coach was questioned about the lack of competitiveness in the Greek League, notwithstanding his team and Olympiacos: “This discussion and introversion existed from way back. Along the line it was proven that foreigners helped out. Players like Diamantidis and Spanoulis were forged next to foreign players. We always search for our scapegoat or a Deus ex machina in Greece. At U-18 levels no one can play. Kids that are to give qualification exams for acceptance to Universities are the most hard-working people. What would you advise your children? The primary cell of sports is the local sports club. But these people have been waiting upon a grant for years, for a ball. It is impossible to go to Panathinaikos or even Olympiacos and play straight away. Diamantidis first played for Iraklis and Spanoulis for Maroussi. We are lacking teams in between. This is something that must happen, all institutions to collaborate. Both teams are very serious in Europe. Tactics in Greece are at quite a level”.
Pedoulakis was also questioned about the exact area the game will be defined in: “The main element will be pure will and a clear mind in order to make the appropriate decisions”.
Dimitris Diamantidis stated concerning the matchup: “We hope for a nice game, without things getting out of hand so as for the people who will attend it to be able to enjoy it. We have suffered two defeats already form Olympiacos and we hope to perform as best possible. We have two days ahead of us until the game, we will work hard in order to bring some things out on the court and I wish for a good game”.
As far as the presence of few people at the court for yet another occasion, he stressed: “Every player would love to perform in front of people who behave themselves. The Olympiacos-Panathinaikos game is a special one. The new guys thrive on this atmosphere. We would like to play in a full court. Unfortunately things are so and it is rather unlikely they are going to change”.
When asked if the photo of Panagiotis and Giorgos Angelopoulos with Dimitris Giannakopoulos at the Stadium of Peace and Friendship might help towards taming the spirits, he responded: “Let’s hope it will help. It showcases to the world that the teams are rivals only inbounds. It is good. But I do not believe that a photo or a handshake is enough to affect those who come to the court to throw stones or curse”.
Diamantidis was asked about the differences between the recent Greek League game and the Cup Final: “We know the schedule format from the very beginning. We lost to Olympiacos on Monday, but in the Greek League you get a chance at the end to cover lost ground. In the Final, it is a game defining a title. The only thing you can do is improve and appeal to your opponent’s weak spots”.
Finally he was asked the reason he does not leave Greece since he is so disappointed in the current conditions: “I do not feel disappointment. These are granted things. Playing for Panathinaikos is a conscious choice of mine; it is my pleasure and honor. I was so lucky as to have collaborated with great players and coaches, with an administration which was always right by my side. I hope to play here for years to come”.
