Goal ! : Panagiotis, first of all, do you have a nickname?
Panagiotis RETSOS: Yes. Panos. It’s simpler than Panagiotis.
Why this choice to join Saint-Etienne?
Because it’s a big club. When I was told that I had this possibility, I was very happy, very proud. It’s a good opportunity for me. I wanted to play in L1.
What do you know about the club?
I know it’s a big club. It is the club with the most league titles in France. And he has a very good audience. I like this. It is important for me, even though unfortunately people cannot fill the stadiums because of the health crisis.
Have you watched ASSE matches before your arrival?
I watched the last match, in Lens. It was a special match, with two expulsions, including one from the start of the game. But I know that the team started well before having a little slack, that there were injuries, the departure of Fofana. I hope to help the team to find better results.
“I have worked a lot in recent months. I am ready, although it will probably take a little while to be on top of my game. There are only matches for that. “
What are you going to bring?
Even though I am only 22 years old, I already have a little experience. I played for three years in Leverkusen. I hope to help the team but it also works the other way around: I hope the team will help me.
You have played little in the past two seasons …
Yes. I was hurt. But I have worked a lot in recent months. I am ready, although it will probably take a little while to be on top of my game. There are only matches for that.
What is your favorite job?
I have been asked this question since my beginnings! I prefer to play in central defense. But if the coach needs me on the right or on the left, there is no problem. I am always ready to help the team.
What type of defender are you?
I think I’m pretty comfortable with the ball. I don’t like to clear the ball just anywhere. I try to revive cleanly. I am combative, I give my all when I’m on the pitch. And I think I’m pretty quick.
What goals have you set for yourself?
I hope to play as many matches as possible and help the team have the best possible season. I’m only on loan but hope to stay here a few years. It’s my aim.
You arrive in a very young team …
Yes I saw that. She is very, very young, even more so than in Leverkusen. But I’m young too, so I think it’s a plus for me, for my integration. And I have already seen that the players were very professional despite their youth.
Did Alexandros Katranis give you any advice?
Of course. I play with “Katra” in Hopes. He told me a lot of good things about Saint-Etienne, about the club, about the people, about the city. He is very happy for me. It reinforced my idea of coming here.