By George Orfanakis/ info@eurohoops.net
The “Xavi Pascual” era began in Panathinaikos with the Greek club officially presenting its new head coach during a press conference held in “OAKA arena”.
Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos was also present, welcoming Pascual by saying: “We will be together for the next three years. We are here to welcome him in the team… though usually this thing happens on summer.”
Xavi Pascual then said: “I have come here many times as an opponent and I felt a bit jealous. Because I have seen the way the people loves the players and supports them. How much the crowd strengthens them. And I always felt admiration for this. Now that I will be able to live that, I feel happy.”
Regarding the goals of the team, he emphasized on winning titles. “I believe that I will give my best self and with the help of the fans we will bring successes in the team. I am really happy to be a part of Panathinaikos family, such a historic club with many trophies.”
When it comes to the reasons he chose Panathinaikos, Pascual said: “I wouldn’t want to be a part of a project that was not concrete enough when it comes to the direction and the desire to win. Panathinaikos covers both and that is why I am here. When I left Barcelona every team in Europe had a coach. And a coach needs a vision, this is when he can work.”
“I believe in destiny. And there are people in the club that knew that I was always thinking of being here. When they expressed their interest I felt that it was an honor for me. When it happens, you have an enthusiasm to say ‘yes’ to the project. Winning or losing… it’s a matter of details. First of all we must be proud of our work. And then results will come.”