Klaus’s message through Toumba Magazine
He has been at PAOK for almost 20 years, since the age of 8. He has gone through a lot, both positive and negative experiences. PAOK captain Stefanos Athanasiadis spoke to Toumba Magazine for all issues concerning the team and him as well.
Klaus said that he understands the fans, because he is “one of them”. He also admitted that, wearing the captain’s armband, he should perhaps stop being the “nice guy” and take the initiative.
In an interview for Toumba Magazine, Stefanos Athanasiadis expressed his trust on the new team being built this season and expressed views that one seldom hears from footballers.
Here is a taste of Klaus’s interview. You can purchase Toumba Magazine at PAOK FC Official Stores, in kiosks of Northern Greece and online at store.paokfc.gr with FREE shipping to every part of Greece.
On the fans’ reaction and his role in the team:
“I perfectly comprehend what is happening. Players come and go, but I have been here since my childhood, I know well what PAOK are all about, I have been in the stands and I understand the fans. However this pressure should have a negative impact on the players. I don’t let it happen to me. I focus on the positive and look ahead. Perhaps, under my capacity as captain, I should take more initiative, function differently. Stop being the “nice guy”. Perhaps I should change my way of thinking and doing things. The great honour of being PAOK’s captain is accompanied by more responsibility”.
On the team’s trajectory so far:
“When in the process of building a new team, there will be positive and negative points. These ups and downs in our performance make one wonder how it is possible to play like we did in Dortmund and fail to produce similar performances in the Greek league. That is normal when a team is getting built, when they are looking for their identity. We have good players, have a good roster and just need time. Nothing more. I would advise some people to stop seeing ghosts and invent stories about problems within the team. There are no such problems.
We cannot change coaches every March and start all over again. The team must keep one coach, give him time to build the new team. Afterwards we can pass judgment on the coach and the players. By changing coach every year and keep repeating the same motive, then players might think: ‘Good, the coach is gone, so are our responsibilities’”.
