One word was sufficient. When asked who was the better side – Greece or Scotland – head coach Ivan Jovanovic did not hesitate in his reply. “Greece,” he said immediately and with a smile.
Speaking on the eve of his side taking on Scotland in Piraeus in a critical World Cup qualifier for the visitors, Jovanovic talked about the frustrations Greece have experienced in the group as well as praising the Scots and Alexandros Kyziridis, Hearts’ Greek winger and one of the best players in the Premiership so far this season.
The Greeks are out of contention, their hopes dealt a huge blow when they lost at Hampden last month. Jovanovic says Saturday’s game is not about revenge, though.
The sides have met three times already this year – a 1-0 away win and 3-1 Hampden smash and grab for Steve Clarke’s side either side of a 3-0 away win for the Greeks.
Jovanovic said: “I don’t think there’s any doubt all the games have been entertaining.
“I respect Scotland – a very good team with very good players. Overall, there’s been very good competition in all of those games.”
The Serb denied this was a grudge match. “I don’t see football in this way,” he said. “The Scots have greater motivation but the Greeks have our own motivation for the fans and for the team. I don’t see it as a revenge match.”
The coach was asked about Kyziridis, the uncapped 25-year-old who has been tearing it up with Hearts this season.
“I do watch Scottish football and I like Scottish people,” he said.
“Kyziridis is having a good season. I’m watching him and I’m watching Hearts. My son studied in Edinburgh for a few years, business management at Heriot Watt, and I visited him regularly. The Scots are warm people.”
Jovanovic expressed disappointment with the way the campaign has gone for Greece.
“In our four games in only one did we not reach the level we believe we have (the 3-0 home loss to Denmark). Details were not on our side. We conceded goals that we are not used to conceding, but our belief remains high.”
