Markos Vellidis Interview

"My decision to play for PAS was absolutely right and proved me correct" pointed out Markos Vellidis in his exclusive interview for the official website of the Super League. The PAS Giannina goalkeeper talked about his staying in the Ioannina club by saying that: "It would make me really happy and would be in line with our common goals," whereas when asked on what his dreams are regarding his children he replied that: "The certain thing is that I will introduce them to sports since they can only win things through this experience. Sports are really important for young children and they significantly contribute in the shaping of a child's character." The full interview:

 

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

This season definitely had ups and downs, but, when looking at our final points, we could have finished the year in the 6th place had we been more careful.  In any case, we are of course happy because the team was competitive in most matches.

 

Would you wish to remain in the club for many years to come?

It would make me really happy and would be in line with our common goals.

 

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

The catalyst behind my decision was of course the President as well as the fact that the club has many promising players who have goals, which could contribute to the evolution of my career.  My decision to play for PAS was absolutely right and proved me correct.

 

Which footballers participating in the Greek championship, that you have played against, stand out and why?

He may not be playing in the Greek championship anymore, but I cannot leave out an important athlete who really gave me a hard time in all matches I played against him. This player is Kostas Mitroglou. He has many ways to move smartly and he can be a threat to the goalkeeper.

 

Question by Vassilis Tsakiridis

How important is the height for a goalkeeper?

The height is important, but the most important thing is to have spirit and faith.  These attributes, in combination with really hard word, are among the most important qualities a goalkeeper should have.

 

Question by Yorgos Karailios

The goalkeeper's position is considered the most difficult position since an error can "condemn" the team. How do you deal with this?

A goalkeeper needs to be highly focused during the whole match because one error can define the outcome. He also needs to be thinking positively all the time so as to get over an error right away. This is the best attitude.

 

Which Greek and international goalkeepers stand apart in your opinion and why?

In Greece it's Antonis Nikopolidis for his ingenuity and for his attitude during the whole match. On an international level it's Iker Casillas, who has been among the top goalkeepers for ten years now.

 

Which is your most important save and why?

I cannot tell a particular save apart, but I will refer to this season's home match against Olympiacos since this match was on one hand important, given which side we were playing against, and on the other hand because it was really important as regards the points. By getting a clean sheet, our side celebrated a historic victory and at the same time secured its staying, for the fourth consecutive year, in the Super League.

 

What are your personal goals?

As I have said, my goals are in line with the club's goals. The higher my team is, the higher I am.

 

Question by Olga Kardakaris

What are your dreams regarding your children? Would you like them to be in sports as well?

I hope God will help me have a family and I will totally respect what my children will choose to do in life. The certain thing is that I will introduce them to sports since they can only win things through this experience. Sports are really important for young children and they significantly contribute in the shaping of a child's character.