The international Maltese goalkeeper of Kalloni Andrew Hogg replied to the fans' questions in this week's interview, saying that the atmosphere in the Kalloni Municipal Stadium is amazing, that this season's Kalloni is much stronger in comparison to last year whereas he is convinced that had he not been a football player, he would have become a… pilot. The full interview:
Question by Mihalis Alexiou
You have been playing for our club for the past two years only, but you are already much loved! What does Kalloni mean to you?
I am very honoured by the fans' love. This club has put its faith in me and I want to do the best I can in order to come up to their expectations. Kalloni is a club with a big heart and great aspirations and I am here to do my best in order to help them achieve their targets.
In your opinion, where exactly lie the limits for this club?
It would be a mistake to place a ceiling as to what Kalloni can achieve. Last season, in our debut in the top league, we managed to secure our position in the top class, despite the fact that we played all our matches away. The technical staff works very hard and the goals they set are perfectly clear. I personally think that this club can achieve great things in the future!
Has your really good start in the championship changed the target you had set at the beginning of the season?
I believe that this season our club is much stronger, however the important thing is that we have a team of players with good personalities that wish to be successful. Football is always uncertain, however I believe that we are strong enough to continue in the same pace.
Question by Dimitris Klonaridis
Does the fact that the Kalloni fans are there in away matches and applaud you, give you courage and strength to do your best in the match?
After the match against Kerkyra I asked my wife which atmosphere did she think was better, the one created by the fans of Kalloni or the one at the match we played with the Malta National Football Team against Italy in front of 18,000 spectators. She said "today was better" and I agreed. Be it on home or away soil, our fans fill us with strength and this is proven in our performance. In Tarla in particular the atmosphere is amazing.
Question by Fotini Athiniotou
How does a goalkeeper feel when following his good display and great saves he gives his club the three points and how does he feel when the match is lost after a mistake he made?
The difference is chaotic. When you save your team, you feel like you have scored the winning goal. Obviously, a goalkeeper cannot be running around the pitch to celebrate a save, however he feels satisfied. On the other side, mistakes often happen in football; when you are the goalkeeper you need to have a strong character in order to be able to go through the difficult moments. The feeling is really bad, however you need to get over it and focus on the next match.
Question by the fans of the Youth Union of Paralimni
Which coach helped you improve as a goalkeeper, in your opinion?
I have worked with many coaches and learned a lot from all of them. It would be a mistake to mention only one of them.
Question by the fans of the Youth Union of Paralimni
Would you wish to return to Cyprus at some point? If so, which club would you choose?
Cyprus has a special place in my heart, I had a wonderful season there. I cannot tell what the future holds, I admit however that I would enjoy returning at some point. At the moment, my home is here in Greece, although Paralimni will always be my favourite club in Cyprus!
Question by Jason Magro
What do you believe are the differences between the Greek championship and your home country's championship? Also, in your opinion, what should the Maltese championship do in order to become more competitive?
Unfortunately, the differences between the two championships are huge. I could talk all day about the things that need to be improved in Maltese football, it's a subject of great interest to me. However, the thing that essentially needs to change is the mentality: we need innovations, we need veteran players that are willing to turn things upside down. I believe that unless there is a radical change, the Maltese championship will never be able to improve.
What are your hobbies?
I am really lucky to have my family with me here in Lesvos, I therefore spend almost all my spare time with my family. In fact, we recently welcomed a baby girl in our family, therefore our days are always interesting!
Were you not a footballer, what would you rather be and why?
I am 100% certain about this: I would have liked to become a pilot, as in the Top Gun film… We can all dream, can we not?
THE WINNER OF THE DRAW FOR THE SIGNED SOUVENIR BY ANDREW HOGG, OFFERED BY FC KALLONI, IS MRS FOTINI ATHINIOTOU