The Panionios defender Christos Tasoulis was interviewed by the fans in this Week's Interview for the official website of Super League and revealed the "secrets" of his club's campaign this season. Among other things, the 26-year-old player pointed out that: "We look forward to every match and we treat every game separately; the family environment in our team makes us want to play for each other while on the pitch."
Question by Thodoris Mylonas
What is, in your opinion, the "secret" behind the family environment in the team?
I believe that the reason we are united is because most players have been together in the team a long time (some of us for almost 3 years). The Greek element is also prevalent in the dressing room and all foreign players have also adopted this mentality.
Question by Vassilis Tsakiridis
How does a player feel when making the leap from Fostiras to Panionios and at the same time having a cap with the National Team?
The truth is that Fostiras was a true school for me because it was the stepping stone that led me to Panionios after playing in the 4th, 3rd and 2nd National Division. Additionally, the philosophy of Mr Terezopoulos and the team in general helped me earn a cap in the National Team very quickly – and playing in the National Team is the dream of every Greek footballer.
Question by Konstantinos Karouzos
After almost 3 years and over 60 participations with Panionios, what does this Club mean to you?
I am proud to be part of such a historic club. Having lived difficult and at the same time many beautiful moments as a player of Panionios, I have developed a special bond with the team.
Question by Thodoris Kappelos
You have an excellent season with Panionios and you even made it to the National Team. Nevertheless, last season you played less and it seemed like you were the second choice for your position. What did last season feel for you and what led to your comeback this year, in your opinion?
The truth is that it is very difficult following a big success to be at the lowest point and to have to manage your feelings. However, this difficult period made me stronger. It taught me how to have patience and how to work even harder and dig my heels in in order to win my position back.
Question by Sotiris Raftopoulos
When does your contract expire? Would you wish to remain in the club for many years to come?
It expires in June 2018. Right now, I enjoy playing football with Panionios and as regards my contract, Panionios will have the first word since it's the team that gave me the opportunity to stand out in Super League and to earn a place with the National Team.
Question by Dimitris Kanarakis
How do you experience as players the team's campaign so far? Is there pressure to achieve results?
No, there is no pressure, on the contrary. We look forward to every match and we treat every game separately; the family environment in our team makes us want to play for each other while on the pitch. Additionally, all these successes have led to the fans returning to the stadium and every game now feels like a celebration for us.
Question by Mario Moschonas
Which match as a player of Panionios stands out for you and why?
There are several matches, but I will say it's the one against PAOK in Nea Smyrni during the 2014/15 season. We needed a draw in order to remain in the league and I was sent out with a red card. The last few minutes felt like a nightmare because I knew I could not help my teammates any longer.
Question by Panayotis Lampiris
What was the team's goal at the beginning of the season? Did this goal change as the season moved on?
Our goal was to have an equally good campaign as last year, without this necessarily meaning we had to be in the first five places of the classification list. However, our really good campaign so far has led us to the second place and we now hope to continue like this and remain in the first five places.
Question by Yannis Petrou
Do you believe that the team's good defence is the key reason behind your campaign this year?
I believe that our defence works very well. Nevertheless, I also believe that our attack is also very good or else we would not be so high in the classification list and we would not enjoy football so much.
What would you like to say to the fans of Panionios?
I would like to say to them that they should continue filling the stands as they have been doing in the last both home and away matches because they are truly our 12th player; also, that they should support our efforts both in good and bad moments because this is the only way to get Panionios where it deserves to be.
THE WINNER OF THE DRAW FOR THE SIGNED SOUVENIR BY CHRISTOS TASOULIS, OFFERED BY FC PANIONIOS, IS MR KONSTANTINOS KAROUZOS.