Thomas Nazlidis Interview
"Given that the team achieved its goal, I believe this season was successful, although it was highly difficult," pointed out Thomas Nazlidis in his exclusive interview for the website of the Super League. The Platanias striker talked about his injury that kept him off the pitch for six months: "It really affected my psychology. It was a hard period for me," whereas as regards the club's fans he said that: "The people of Hania really help us. The stands in all our home matches are almost full, without any problems for the opponent. There is a beautiful, family feeling and this motivates us to enter the pitch with bigger determination." The full interview:
What is your opinion on the club's presence this season?
All's well that ends well. Given that the team achieved its goal, I believe this season was successful, although it was highly difficult. With great effort, at the end we did it. I hope the season's mistakes will not be repeated.
Which elements do you believe the team should keep and for which ones is there room for improvement?
The most important thing I wish us to keep is our competitiveness to the very last match in order to achieve our goal to remain in the Super League. I believe this was an important element because the team, although it was in a difficult position, did not give up, but continued to fight and achieve important victories. As regards the elements that can be improved, I am positive we need to improve many things on our play both as a team and on personal level. I believe we will make it, provided there is will and determination.
Question by Panayotis Petrelis
To which degree were you affected by your injury that kept you off the pitch for six months?
It really affected my psychology. It was a really hard period for me, because I could see my teammates trying and fighting on the pitch and I could not help them. Thankfully this time passed and I hope it will not happen again in the future since injuries are the worst thing for an athlete.
Do you believe you will be 100% for the beginning of next season's championship?
This is what I hope and I believe I will be 100% ready. I have worked hard all this time, I am training and I am determined to do anything it takes to be 100% ready.
You won 29 out of the 38 points you amassed in your home matches. Do you factor in the support of fans?
The people of Hania really help us. The stands in all our home matches are almost full, without any problems for the opponent. There is a beautiful, family feeling and this motivates us to enter the pitch with bigger determination. Of course, the important thing is to manage to win more points on our away matches as well. I hope we will achieve this goal in the next season too, namely to be equally competitive and effective when not playing in home soil.
What would you like to promise the fans and supporters of Platanias?
I wish to tell to the fans and supporters of Platanias that our side will be even stronger and tougher in the following season and we will do our outmost on the pitch in order to give them joy.
What is your impression from this season's championship?
The championship was on the edge as regards the teams to be relegated. There was great interest and suspense until the very last matchday. The champion was determined really early something that, in my personal opinion, is not good for the Greek championship. There are of course the play-offs, however I believe that the quality of the Greek championship can improve greatly in order for it to be interesting until the end as regards to which team will conquer the first place.
Question by Lazaros Tsakiridis
What would you advise young school boys who wish to become footballers?
Becoming professional footballers should not be an end in itself for them. They should practice sports, take care of the quality of their life, but also give priority to school and education. In case some of them make it, are talented and can work hard, then I hope they will manage to play football professionally.
What are your hobbies?
I like spending my free time with my favourite people. I like travelling, taking walks, chatting, watching films and going shopping with them.
