In a
positive atmosphere following REA’s emphatic victory, but also with clear
statements regarding the recent issues surrounding women’s football, the
post-match press conference took place after the 4-0 win over Odysseas
Moschatou for Matchday 17 of the Women’s First Division. Stelios Kozanidis
focused on his team’s performance and consistency, Dimitra Markoutsa dedicated
the victory to the club president, while Nikos Galitsios commented on the match
from the visitors’ perspective.
STELIOS
KOZANIDIS: “RESPECT IS NON-NEGOTIABLE”
“We
achieved a very important victory against an excellent team, something clearly
reflected in their results this season. Our quality as a squad is undeniable,
but what truly makes the difference is our discipline, focus, and belief in
ourselves. When we display this mentality on the pitch, things unfold the way
we want them to.
From the
very first minute, we imposed our rhythm and effectively settled the game in
the first half. At 4-0, things became more straightforward for us, but what I
value most is that we didn’t relax. We maintained the same level of
concentration and seriousness until the final whistle. Those are the real
gains.
I want to
congratulate the players. They work consistently and professionally every day
and give everything in every match, both in the league and the Cup. I feel
fortunate to coach these athletes.
Congratulations
also to Odysseas Moschatou and coach Mr. Galitsios for their overall progress
this season.
We continue
with humility. A big match against AEK follows — a derby against a very strong
and quality team. We know their strengths, but we also know ours. At the end of
the journey, we will see what we have achieved.”
Referring
to the recent events, he added:
“The issue
is not only about the pitch in Tripoli or REA’s facilities. When we talk about
the First Division, the stadiums must meet the standards of the category. Would
a men’s match be played under such conditions? Obviously not. So why should
women be expected to?
Football is
one. It should not be divided into men’s and women’s in terms of respect. We
are in 2026, and female athletes deserve the same conditions. We talk about
development, but development starts with infrastructure. Players come from all
over the world to compete in Greece and are confronted with these images. I
cannot accept that.
I served
football for 22 years as a professional athlete, and I will not accept anyone
diminishing either the sport or the players. Respect is non-negotiable.”
DIMITRA
MARKOUTSA: “THIS WIN BELONGS TO THE PRESIDENT”
“Congratulations
to both teams. We faced a very demanding opponent. We didn’t forget that we
conceded three goals in the first round and we wanted our response. We clearly
entered the match with a strong desire for redemption.
This team
has the potential to reach great heights and compete for titles. We are united,
we function as one, and we fear no one. We move forward with confidence in our
abilities.”
Regarding
the events of the past week, she stated:
“I will say
it clearly: the president did the right thing. It is unacceptable for matches
to be played under such conditions. This does not concern only REA, but all
teams. The players’ health must come first.
I cannot
accept that there was no alternative solution. The priority must always be to
protect the players. If one of us had suffered a serious injury, then we would
be saying we made a mistake.
We stand by
our president from the very first moment and will continue to support him in
every decision. Today’s victory is dedicated to him. We trust him, and we move
forward together.”
NIKOS
GALITSIOS: “THE 4-0 DOES NOT FULLY REFLECT OUR PERFORMANCE”
“It was an
open game. Since we have already secured our main objective, we are playing
with more freedom. However, today we conceded two early goals from set pieces,
and that influenced the course of the match. When you fall behind at Sochora
against such an attacking team, it is difficult to react.
We created
situations and chances but were not effective. I believe the 4-0 scoreline is
harsh in relation to our overall performance.
We are
coming off a demanding period with consecutive matches, and fatigue is evident.
We were also missing three or four key players due to injuries, though that is
not an excuse. REA is a very good and high-quality team; they capitalized on
their chances and deservedly earned the victory.”