Dimitris Goutas Interview

"SKODA Xanthi is for me a part of my life and literally my family. I have been with the club since I was 14 years old and thanks to the care shown by its people, I never felt difficult while being away from my real family," pointed out Dimitris Goutas in his exclusive interview for the website of the Super League. The SKODA Xanthi defender talked about the Club's academies that have promoted several players: "You will allow me to say that my club is pioneer in this area," whereas as regards their opponent for the play-off match that will determine which club will stay in the league, he pointed out that: "If we play the way we should, then it doesn't matter who the opponent is." The full interview:

 

Question by Yorgos Tsakiridis

In June you will play one of the most decisive matches in the club's history. Are you anxious about this particular match? How do you deal with the stress?

The fact that the team is playing such a decisive match certainly adds to the existing stress, and this is reasonable and fair. The important thing however is that the importance of the match keeps us focused and fills us with determination and passion to achieve our goal. We work at the appropriate rhythm, as determined by our coaches, in order to be 100% ready at all levels.

 

Question by Yannis Panakis

Do you have any preferences as regards the opponent?

You should never focus on who the opponent will be, but instead on your condition (namely the team's condition) on the day of the match. If we play the way we should, then it doesn't matter who the opponent is.

 

Question by Kostas Lintsos

Have you been affected by Solari's injury who will miss the play-off match?

Despite the fact that this is an important absence, teams should never be dependent on one player only. This is why they are called a TEAM in any case. The whole team, with whoever the coach calls to cover his absence, will have to provide the solutions required for this particular match.

 

Question by Kostas Ziaglavos

What is Skoda Xanthi for you?

SKODA Xanthi is for me a part of my life and literally my family. I have been with the club since I was 14 years old and thanks to the care shown by its people, I never felt difficult while being away from my real family. This is where I developed and progressed thanks to how complete the working conditions the club offers are; also the fact that I play professionally for the club is very important since this was my goal from my first day here.

 

Which is the best and which is the worst moment in your career as a player of Skoda Xanthi?

My best moment was without a doubt the participation in the European competition and the worst moment the one I am living now where we have to take the club out of this difficult situation for which we are also partly responsible.

 

Question by Lefteris Kasapidis

What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of Xanthi?

I only wish to thank the fans and supporters of Xanthi for their support and help during every season and in particular for the atmosphere they created during the critical match against PAOK. Every player and I as well ask them to always be by our side, in an appropriate manner, and to support us during the harsh and the easy times.

Skoda Xanthi is one of the clubs that always helped and promoted young players. In fact, a few days ago the U-17 team won the championship. Are academies the most important factor for a healthy club, in your opinion?

I am convinced that only clubs investing in their academies and aiming at producing players from them, have a future. Either on the pitch or as a matter of reputation or from a commercial point of view, this is the future. Is it not true that when looking at a really good player of a great club everyone asks: "where did this player start playing football?" Academies are vastly important and you will allow me to say that my club is pioneer in this area.

 

Question by Alexandros Voulgaris

Were you dreaming of becoming a professional player as a child?

I cannot say exactly when becoming a professional player became my dream, however it happened at a really early age. The certain thing is that this was my goal from the first day I started playing in the academies of Xanthi. When this happened, I felt incredibly happy, as happy I feel when I play football.

 

Question by Yannis Kartalis

For several months now, there is a rumour that says that your transfer to AEK is really close. Is this true? There were also rumours that other great Greek clubs were looking to sign you last summer. If this interest becomes a fact and you receive a proposal for a transfer, would you make this decision at this particular moment?

First of all, I do not know any of these rumours and even if there was something going on, these things are being taken care of by my manager, Mr Glykos. Besides, I am a player of Skoda Xanthi and my contract does not end and anyone interested, should first talk to the club's administration. In any case, any interest in me honours me and no one can ever tell what the future will bring. I have to admit though that I wish to play abroad, in a country and a club that will help me progress and become even better so that both Xanthi and I will benefit from something like this.

 

What are your hobbies?

I try to spend my spare time with my friends, I watch films and rest in our beautiful town which has so many things to offer to everyone.