A bunch of guys made Greeks leave their serious problems aside and rejoice with the young players’ success. Greece U19 were eliminated by Russia in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, but the 4-0 scoreline doesn’t reflect the complexion of the encounter. In the first half, Greece were better but couldn’t break the deadlock and lost three glorious opportunities, especially the one of Efthymis Koulouris being denied by the woodwork. Two quick goals after the interval stopped Greece in their tracks and they collapsed.

A marathon season came to an end for these players and their presence in the U19 Euro held in Greece is deemed successful. The young players collected considerable experience and competed at the highest level.

Timos Tselepidis was one of the four PAOK players included in the U19 squad of Greece. The central defender of the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” U20 team managed to earn the trust of Greece’s coaching staff and was a starter in all four matches, playing with unparalleled passion. The young defender spoke to paokfc.gr about this unforgettable experience. Here is his entertaining interview:

Timo, first of all congratulations for the team’s and your individual success in the Euro U19. Tell us how you feel about this experience you and your teammates had in the last fortnight.

«Thank you very much. Our impressions of this tournament are fantastic. We got very useful experience playing at the highest level. I believe this experience helped me mature as a player and see other mentalities and football styles. We enjoyed our participation and really had a great time playing in these matches. We relied on our team spirit, were passionate and hopefully we made Greek fans happy as they watched our effort«.

The Greek crowd really supported your effort and were present wherever you played. How important was that for you and what would you like to tell them?

«The fans’ response was incredible. We were very happy and they boosted us in our games. They were behind us, even in our heavy defeat by the Russians. We want to thank them all and we hope we made them happy through our games, forgetting for a while their everyday problems«.

We watched your team being compact and united through thick and thin. How was the atmosphere in the dressing room during the tournament?

«The most important asset of this team and main reason for success was our team spirit, we were a close-knit group. We would stand by each other at all times, in success and failure. Our coach, technical staff, the whole team staff and the players we created an excellent atmosphere of unity. There were no distinctions and everybody roamed towards victory«.

The team had two faces in the semi-final. Superior in the first half and coming agonizingly close to a goal, but after the interval the match didn’t go their way and were defeated 4-0. What is your opinion on how the match unfolded against the Russians?

«I believe that the result doesn’t reflect the actual complexion of the game. We started strong from minute one and went after the ball. We made the Russians retreat in their box and came close to scoring three times, but it wasn’t meant to be. We didn’t start well in the second half. We conceded the opener from a set piece, our individual turnovers led to Russia’s second goal and our team collapsed. I believe that the scoreline is too harsh for us, but we keep our head high and continue«.

You played against very good rivals. Did you depict differences in the way they operate and in their philosophy? Are there sectors where we hold an advantage or are at a disadvantage compared to them?

«I can’t say that we are at a disadvantage. I believe that the rest of the team were more experienced than us. Most of our rivals compete in senior teams and professional football. That is the only difference. There is no difference regarding the talent«.

After just four friendly encounters, you were a regular in such an important tournament. Why is that and how do you feel?

«Since the beginning of last season, my aim was to work as hard as I could with my team, to win the U20 league with PAOK and participate in the Euro U19 with the national team. Unfortunately we didn’t achieve the first part. I played some good matches for the “Double-Headed Eagle”, I improved some elements of my game and that convinced the national team to believe in me. Giannis Goumas saw me play and called me for the friendly encounters against Ukraine and Denmark. My performances made him give me a spot in his starting line-up. I gave it my best shot and those who believed in me feel vindicated now«.

Three of your clubmates from PAOK, Vasaitis, Koulouris and Pozoglou, were also in the national team. How close are you four?

«We have been playing together for many years with these guys. Even before PAOK, we were together in the selection teams of the union. We know each other very well, are very close and have a strong friendship. I hope that we will continue playing together for many years«.

This is a very crucial age for your career. In upcoming years, you will be called to prove that you deserve a spot at the highest level. What are your goals and ambitions?

«Right now my life is football. I will give 100% to achieve my dream and hopefully results will come through hard work. I want to be well and the rest will follow«.