"Our goal is to have a good campaign. Based on the existing players in the squad, it cannot be only about not relegating," pointed out Thomas Nazlidis in his exclusive interview for the website of the Super League. The Veria's striker talked about this year's championship by saying that "it seems more competitive than last year's" and sent his message to the fans of Veria: "They should continue supporting us and we expect even more fans coming to our matches." The full interview:
What is Veria's goal this year?
Our goal is to have a good campaign. Based on the existing players in the squad, it cannot be only about not relegating. Of course, we have to prove this on the pitch, we need deeds rather than words.
Question by Panagiotis Salonikidis
Do you believe you can take the extra step this season and manage to finish in the top five places of the classification list?
Personally, I always set high goals both for myself and the team. But it is still very early in the season to be talking about something like that. It seems that the championship will be much more competitive this season in comparison to last year's. We treat each match separately and we will see where we stand at the end of the season.
Question by Thomas Kavouras
So far, you have scored two goals and given two assists. Do you believe you can become this team's leader?
I focus on giving my 100 percent for the team. I hope I will be healthy and that I will be able to continue in the same pace and help my team.
Question by Yorgos Ayannitis
Have you set a personal goal as regards the goals you want to score this year?
Strikers must of course score goals, but let us not forget that a goal is the result of the nice effort of the whole team. Goals are very important for me, however there are other jobs in the match that also help the team. Anyhow, the more goals I score, so much the better both for me and the team.
What do you believe about the six points Veria has amassed so far in the championship? Do you believe your team could have won more points?
Until before the match in Mytilene, I would say that if we had paid more attention to details, then we would have been entitled to more points. Thankfully we managed to win the away match in Kalloni and we made things even in a way. This is how football works!
What do you think should you improve as a team in order to win more points?
We need to be more focused during the whole match because only a few minutes of distraction are enough to lose the game, as we have bitterly learned.
Which was the best and which was the worst moment in your football career?
The worst moment was definitely my ligament tear injury two years ago, which in fact happened during a time when I was going through a great period.
As regards my best moments, well, these are a lot. I am happy for every match, especially when we win it! I have to confess of course that the promotion of Platanias and the whole campaign the past three and a half years in Crete, are my best football memories. I hope I will live even greater moments with Veria.
What are your hobbies?
I usually meet with friends. I definitely enjoy spending time with them!
Who is the footballer that you would like to have as your teammate and who as an opponent and why?
I would of course like to play with Messi! Who wouldn't want to play together with the best footballer in the world? As regards the opponent, I don't have a particular one in my mind. All defenders are the same [laughs].
What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of Veria who support you both in home and in away matches?
They should continue supporting us and we expect even more fans coming to our matches. Our side is comprised by new players; they should have faith in us that we can achieve something good this season.