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Moreno: 'We Didn't Expect to Concede a Goal' as Panathinaikos Loses Derby
🇬🇷 Greece /Sports

Moreno: 'We Didn't Expect to Concede a Goal' as Panathinaikos Loses Derby

From Ta Nea · (11h ago) Greek Critical tone

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Panathinaikos coach Vicente Moreno expressed disappointment after his team's loss to Olympiacos, noting that the derby was decided by small details.
  • Moreno stated that conceding a goal unexpectedly changed the game's dynamics, despite the team's efforts to maintain psychological stability.
  • The coach affirmed that the team's sole objective now is to secure third place in the playoffs.

From the heart of Greece, the passionate roar of football fandom is often amplified by the intense rivalry between clubs like Panathinaikos and Olympiacos. Ta Nea captures the post-match reflections of Panathinaikos' coach, Vicente Moreno, following a crucial derby defeat. Moreno's words, 'We didn't expect to concede a goal,' reveal a sense of frustration and perhaps disbelief that the game slipped away due to what he termed 'details.' This perspective is common in Greek football, where derbies are frequently decided by fine margins, and the emotional toll of such losses can be significant for players and supporters alike.

I believe that in the first minutes we did better, we created opportunities, the derbies are decided in the details, as were the goal situations. Whoever manages the details better has the advantage.

— Vicente MorenoSpeaking after Panathinaikos' loss to Olympiacos, explaining how the game was decided.

Moreno's analysis highlights a key aspect of Greek sports reporting: the focus on the psychological and emotional dimensions of the game. While international coverage might dissect tactical formations, Greek sports media often delves into the 'spirit' of the team and the impact of pivotal moments. The coach's assertion that the team 'continued with the psychology to do the best' even after falling behind, but that the unexpected goal 'changed a lot,' speaks to this narrative. It’s a story of resilience tested, and ultimately, a missed opportunity.

No, psychologically it did not affect us at 0-1. After 0-2 we continued with the psychology to do the best, but we did not expect to concede a goal and that changed a lot in the game.

— Vicente MorenoDescribing the team's reaction to conceding goals during the match.

For Panathinaikos, the season's objectives have now shifted. Moreno's clear statement that the 'only goal now is for 3rd place' reflects the high expectations placed upon a club of its stature. In Greece, football is more than just a sport; it's a matter of pride and identity. The pursuit of any available trophy, even third place, is treated with utmost seriousness. This unwavering focus on winning, even in the face of disappointment, is a hallmark of the Greek sporting psyche, and Ta Nea conveys this determination to its readers, emphasizing the club's commitment to finishing the season strong.

When you play for such a great jersey, the goal is to get wins and that is the only goal now for 3rd place.

— Vicente MorenoStating the team's objective for the remainder of the season.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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