Simanski: “We are the best team in Greece – I am not thinking of leaving AEK” – Football – Stoiximan Super League

The belief that the AEK remains the best team in Greece and can win this year’s championship as well, Damian Szymanski expressed in his interview in Poland. The captain of “Enos” declared that he is happy in Greece and although he does not hide that he would like to play in a better league, he is not thinking of leaving the team unless an offer is made that he cannot refuse. He also mentioned fatherhood, but also his national team ahead of the Euros.

Szymanski’s interview in detail:

You enter the final stretch of the season, and you are first in the standings. What is the atmosphere in AEK before the most important games?

“She is definitely very positive. We are still at the top of the standings and will probably fight for the championship until the last matchday. Now we have a very important game ahead of us, against Panathinaikos. The league is very interesting this year because four teams are fighting for the title. You see the level is rising. The big teams have become stronger, very interesting players are coming to Greece. I hope we will repeat last year’s success. We are the best team in Greece and we really want to defend the title.”

Greece is famous for its amazing atmosphere in the stands and its fanatical fans. In the championship final, do you feel their support?

“Yes, the fans always give us great support. At every march we feel their fanaticism and spontaneous support. They also see that this team has developed significantly and reached a high level in recent years. The president and the coach have changed a lot and made a lot of things in the team, which looks better. It is no coincidence that we are fighting for the highest goal for the second year in a row. Our fans help him a lot. The stadium is always suffocatingly full.”

-A few years ago, the Greek championship was linked to the rivalry between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos. Now it has become more balanced and more interesting, from the point of view of a Polish footballer?

“The results in the European competitions show that the level of the league has improved significantly. Olympiacos and PAOK played in the quarterfinals of the Conference League. We played in the “group of death” in the Europa League. We started well, but then we met great opponents and it was not easy. We were close to the Champions League groups but were knocked out by the Belgians in the last round. In the last two or three years, the league has become more competitive, not only in Greece, but also for the other teams in Europe. The big teams are very strong, the smaller ones look somewhat better, the Greek league is getting even better and this is also translated into the European ranking. This year we are fighting for the championship and in the new season we would like to fight for the Champions League groups.”

– Tomas Kenziora plays for PAOK, Bartolomei Dagovski plays for Panathinaikos. Are you talking about the battle in the Greek league?

“Tomas and I have known each other for a long time. We talk, we joke. In a positive context. PAOK is also very good this year. Recently we were unlucky, because we were winning 2-0 and in the last minute they drew us 2-2. I have a good relationship with Thomas and we laugh that one of us will become champion. I hope it’s me, because he has more titles.”

-At AEK do you play as a typical defensive midfielder or do you try to play forward as well? This year you have one goal and four assists.

“The balance could be better. Since Matias Almeida joined the team, he has completely changed my position. I’ve only been playing as a six for two years. Sometimes I also play as a center back, although I used to be a more attacking player. I am learning the “6” position and I see my potential in this part of the field. It is possible that I will play there until the end of my career. I feel better there and I think I’ve made a lot of progress.”

-How do you feel in Greece? Would you like to stay longer in the country?

“I have played over 150 games with AEK. I feel good here. We’ll see what the future brings. I’ve always dreamed of playing in an even better league, but right now I’m focused on fighting for the championship. The club is developing very well. No more random players coming in like they used to. I live well in Greece. The training conditions are comfortable. It is very hot in summer, but it is pleasant until June. You can focus on family and football. I’m not thinking of leaving unless I get an offer I can’t refuse.”

-Your first son was born in February. Has your life changed much since then?

“Definitely, yes, but it’s a very positive and very pleasant feeling. I changed my life style a bit. Now I have to take care of my family. I only see advantages and hope to be strong. Then everything will be fine.”

-When you see your son coming home, do you feel more motivated to compete and train?

“Of course. Sometimes I feel more tired, but I do my best not to notice. I feel more motivated and would like to become even better. Our son is growing up nicely and we are very happy. He will do whatever he wants in life, but if he wants to be a footballer, his dad will definitely help him and he will be very proud.”

-You were in the squad for the Poland matches in the playoffs, but you didn’t play in March. Is the end of the season the best time to show your form and prove to Probjerg that you deserve to go to Germany?

“I’m sure. I know the coach will give everyone a chance. I didn’t get it in the playoffs, but I know that when the coach sees my good condition, he will notice and appreciate it. I came into training camp coming off an injury and had just returned to action. I still had some problems. Now I’m in good shape and I want to prove that I deserve to go to Euro 2024.”

-Many internationals praise the atmosphere in the Polish national team. Do you feel it has changed for the better?

“Yes. Even if someone doesn’t play in a match, the coach makes everyone feel important. I was in preparation, I didn’t compete, but I didn’t feel bad. The coach is able to talk to all the players and tell them honestly what is on his mind. The player sees this and appreciates it. Right from the first practice, the positive energy was evident. The coach doesn’t do tricks, he’s just genuine and honest. This is probably what matters most in life. Experienced players come into the team and you have to be able to talk to them. Now everything is as it should be.”

-When Fernando Santos was the coach, were these relationships missing more in the locker room? Often the atmosphere in a team is more important than the competition.

“Exactly. The coach comes and has a week to prepare the team for the game. It is not easy, because everyone arrives tired from the league games and usually do 2-3 training sessions. You have to communicate everything to the team quickly. The key to success is communication with the players. Propierz knows exactly how to talk to the team. You see, because if things weren’t good, we probably wouldn’t have gone to the Euros. Before, there was a lot of talk that we wouldn’t go to Germany. We beat Wales, qualified and showed character. This is what interests us.”

-In the group stage you will face France, the Netherlands and Austria. I think it would be hard to find tougher opponents. With such a combination of motivation and will to fight, what should you not miss?

“You can’t predict anything in football. With the level being like that, anyone can beat anyone. It’s only one match after all. A good result in Germany is not elusive. I think we have a chance to surprise. If the whole nation believes in us, feels the support and becomes a team like before, something good can happen. We want to show our very good side. We have to show combativeness and character, so that every fan can see that the Polish footballers also give their hearts for the team.”

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