Nikos Katharios Interview

In his exclusive interview for the official website of the Super League www.superleaguegreece.net, Panthrakikos midfielder Nikos Katharios talked about the ideal atmosphere prevailing in the Thrace club: "The conditions are ideal in Komotini for a player since there is calm, a sports centre serving the needs of the football club, an Administration that is always by your side and of course Mr Mantzios and his assistants who help you evolve as a player." He also did an account of the season that just concluded: "Panthrakikos managed to present a very decent team, played spectacular football in most matches and managed to secure its staying in the league several fixtures before the end of the championship, therefore we can say that we had a successful season."

 

What is your opinion on the club's presence this season?

Panthrakikos managed to present a very decent team, played spectacular football in most matches and managed to secure its staying in the league several fixtures before the end of the championship, therefore we can say that we had a successful season.

 

Question by Sofia Manassis

Where do you see yourself in 3-4 years from now?

I have been playing for Panthrakikos for the past 2 years and during this time I have gained several experiences both through my training with experienced and acclaimed players and through the matches. I have made a small step and my goal in the following years is to become one of the permanent eleven starting players of Panthrakikos. Of course, for this to happen, I need to work hard and stay healthy.

 

What was this that led you to your decision to play for Panthrakikos?

During the 2011/2012 season, Panthrakikos won the Football League title and we played against Agrotikos Asteras, the club I was playing for that year. I had made some tests and this is how I ended up in Panthrakikos. For any player who is on the onset of his career, training for and belonging in a Super League club is a golden opportunity. The administration and the people of the club supported me from my first minute here and that was it. It was an easy decision, which I of course took together with my family.

 

Question by Kostas Tsakiridis

Why did you not manage to play for Pierikos given that you come from Pieria?

I was born in Katerini and I come from there, however my family moved to Thessaloniki and I played for Agrotikos Asteras, therefore I did not have the opportunity to play for Pierikos.

 

Would you wish to remain in the club the following season as well?

The conditions are ideal in Komotini for a player since there is calm, a sports centre serving the needs of the football club, an Administration that is always by your side and of course Mr Mantzios and his assistants who help you evolve as a player.

 

Which player would you wish to be like and why?

My icon is Barcelona's player Iniesta. I admire many things about his style but I mostly admire his smart playing and the way he has to make his teammates play better.

 

Question by Nikos Savvidis

Which European championship would you wish to play for and why?

I like the English championship very much and I would wish to play there, were I given the opportunity to do so. There are many reasons for this, but the most important reasons are that it's a competitive league, the atmosphere prevailing in the stadia and the great players participating in this league.

 

What are the main pillars of modern football in your opinion?

Things are simple. First of all, you need to stay healthy and then you have to work and work and keep on working.  I believe these are the most important pillars and if you do these things, you will be able to fulfil all conditions required by modern football.

 

What was the thing that made you become a football player?

We all played football, be it in school or in a football academy. My brother Pavlos, who is 2 years my senior, also played football and he is the main reason why I became a football player.

 

What are your hobbies?

I do not do anything specific, basically because we have a standard schedule every day. Most training sessions take place in the mornings, therefore we start our day with training, we then have lunch, then we rest at home and go out for a coffee in the afternoon. If there are no football matches on TV, I go to the cinema or spend the night at home with good company.