Jacob Nistrup, the head coach of Panathinaikos, said his team was in control from the first minute to the last as they beat Panaitolikos 3-0 at OAKA in Athens, keeping the club unbeaten with four wins from four matches in the Stoiximan Super League.
Nistrup spoke to Greek broadcaster Skai after the final whistle of the matchday four fixture, addressing both his team's performance on the pitch and the mentality he wants Panathinaikos to build as the season goes on.
Nistrup on the performance
Nistrup said it had been a good showing, with both teams playing the full match eleven against eleven and no red cards or similar incidents. He said Panathinaikos should have scored more goals, but had been mobile for almost the entire game apart from a few short spells, and that small improvements were still needed. He said his side had controlled the match from start to finish and were satisfied with the performance.
Building a winning mentality
Asked whether Panathinaikos are developing a winning mentality, Nistrup said it was far better to win than not to win, and that the club's target was to win in every competition it enters. He said the team had already played four matches and won all four, but that the road ahead was still long, with many opponents still to be faced. He said the players needed to stay humble, keep their feet on the ground and continue to show their quality.
Panathinaikos top of the table
The win at OAKA kept Panathinaikos alone at the top of the Super League table, unbeaten after four rounds of the campaign. Nistrup's comments called for a measured response to the run rather than celebration, in line with his message that the team should stay grounded.
Panathinaikos are one of the most successful clubs in Greek football, and Nistrup was appointed to lead the team's push for further honours this season. The Stoiximan Super League is the top division of Greek men's football, and OAKA, the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, is Panathinaikos' home ground.
Nistrup's side will look to carry their unbeaten record into the coming rounds of the Super League as the season continues.
