The AOK defender Stelios Marangos replied to the fans' questions and pointed out that "our target is to secure our position in the league and we will make it". He pointed out that "one of my long-term targets is to be playing football until I am 40 years old and on a top level too!" and said that were he not a football player, he would have become a military man. The full interview:
Question by Maria Kalogeropoulos
What is AOK's target for this year's season?
"Our target is to secure our position in the league and we will achieve it. It is really important to keep the club in the Super League this season so that in the following years they will be able to strengthen and consolidate their position at the top level."
Question by Kostas Plakas
What was the thing that convinced you to sign with AOK?
"I was convinced by the club's people. I knew Mr Grigoriou from Doxa Dramas, where we had an exceptional collaboration, I therefore knew who I was dealing with. And secondly, I spoke with the president, I heard the plan and I was convinced…"
The next match is away, against Niki Volos. What do you have to pay attention to in order to secure the three winning points, in your opinion?
"I believe this will be a difficult match. It is dangerous not to take this match seriously because the players of Niki Volos feel no pressure, they have nothing to lose. And this makes their team dangerous. We have to be more efficient and effective and not waste any opportunities as we did in the last match."
Question by Panayotis Havalakis
Are you satisfied with the 10 points you have amassed during the first seven matchdays?
"We could have won 2 or 3 more points. We deserved to win the match against Xanthi; in the match against Veria the greater part of the responsibility falls on me; we lost the match against Kalloni in the details; and we were really unlucky in the match against Platanias…"
What are your personal goals?
"I do not make any plans because you never know what the future will bring. I only keep this year on my mind! Namely my goal and my wish are to make sure the team secures its position in the league quickly. We will see about the future. If you work hard and you are humble, then everything will take its way. However, one of my long-term targets is to be playing football until I am 40 years old and on a top level too! I see older players competing and I envy them…"
Would you wish to play for an international club at some point?
"Yes, definitely. I am curious to know new things, new environments, new working conditions, new mentalities. I would do this with pleasure…"
What is your strong point as a club and what can you improve, in your opinion?
"The team has many good aspects and parts. We worked really this summer and until now. I believe that our strongest point is that we have a uniform team, we are like a family. One covers for the other, there is willingness. However, we need to pay attention, to be focused since we conceded a goal or did not score one because of the details and this cost us. It's also a matter of being unlucky…"
What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of AOK?
"We need the fans to be by our side. In the match against PAS Giannina, we were really happy by their presence, the fans filled the stands. We will do our best in every matchday to keep them satisfied and they should rest assured that our target to secure our position in the league will be achieved…"
What would you like to advise the young football players?
"I do have any special advice… They should be humble and work hard. This is what I have been doing all these years…"
Were you not a footballer, what would you rather be and why?
"I wanted to become a military man since I was really young! Maybe because I am sensitive to the country's national issues and also the difficult everyday life experienced by the Greek people…"
What are your hobbies, besides football?
"Boxing! But I cannot train very often. I mainly do this during my summer holidays…"