Following
the final whistle at the Sochora Stadium, the post-match press conference took
place, with the key figures of the match sharing their thoughts on the game,
the overall performance of both teams, and the upcoming commitments in the
Greek Cup and the league.
STELIOS KOZANIDIS: “WE WILL GO TO TRIPOLI TO SECURE THE
TICKET”
“First of all, I would like to wish everyone good health for
the new year. Today we faced a very good team and we showed a high level of
readiness. The girls responded 100%, and we knew the match would be decided by
fine margins.
Apart from May’s huge save on Georgantzi’s shot, we managed
to close down the spaces very well. We were very solid against Tripoli and did
not allow them to find room to threaten us. After the first half, we created
several good situations to score, and I believe the final result is fair.
We delivered a very good performance, but this is only the
first half of the quarterfinals. We will go to Tripoli to secure the
qualification.
I would like to thank the fans who came to the stadium and
gave us tremendous support. Congratulations to my team for the win and the
performance, and also to the Tripoli players for their effort. They are a very
good team, and this is reflected in their league position as well. Now our
focus turns to the difficult match against Volos.”
MARIA RUZAFA: “THE KEY WAS COHESION AND CONCENTRATION”
“We worked very hard during this period. We are a team that
fights in every match, regardless of the opponent. The key to today’s game was
the cohesion and concentration we showed throughout.
We fought for REA, and that is how we achieved the victory.
The goal came because all my teammates fought for the entire match, perhaps
even more defensively. I simply waited for the moment to come so I could score.
I am very proud of my team and all my teammates.”
MARTIN MASARYK: “WE NEED TO CHANGE A LOT AHEAD OF THE
RETURN LEG”
“First of all, I want to congratulate REA and the opposing
coach, who did a very good job. In the first half, I believe we controlled the
tempo and knew how to play.
In the second half, however, we did not play the way I
wanted. Nevertheless, there is still another match to be played. We need to
change many things and prepare accordingly. At home, we will try to be more
ready and more aggressive.
I am not satisfied with everyone, but we have time ahead of
us to work. Now our focus is on the match against Kifisia.”
SIA GKATSOU: “WE STILL HAVE ONE MATCH TO TURN THINGS AROUND”
“Certainly, this was not our best performance today. We
created some chances, but we were unable to convert them into goals. We
conceded a goal against the run of play, but we still have another match ahead
of us to turn things around and secure qualification.
All teams had a break, and we worked very hard, both
individually and as a group. That affects things to a certain extent, but I
believe today it was more a matter of concentration and determination.”