The coach of the Union, Andre Pau, gave an interview to the newspaper "Politis" in the sports insert "Stadium". The Dutch coach spoke with the best words for the team of Paralimni, referred to the effort of Anorthosis to return to the titles and the proposal he accepted from Nea Salamina.
In detail, the interview of Andre Pau
"With disbelief, they heard his name in Paralimni appear as the favorite to take over the technical leadership of the team after the end of the cooperation with Apostolos Makridis. A coach who a few days ago was shooting at teams competing in the First Division.
For the Dutch coach, however, the fact that the Union was in the Second Division was of little importance. He realized the desire of everyone in Paralimni for reorganization and said he was willing to participate…
He speaks without hesitation about his contract, the goals, the conditions he found in the Union and his experience from the Greek championship. It sends a clear message to the young talents of the football fanatic Union and invites the fans to embrace the team even more.
At the same time, he talked about his former team Anorthosis, life in Cyprus and his impressions, our national team and more.
The Union has only one goal, to return to the big salons. You took over the Union to bring it back to the first category. Will you achieve the goal?
"This is our goal and our desire. At the moment we are one point behind the top, knowing that other teams are also claiming promotion. But it is important to highlight our game both as a team and individually and in the end it will turn out that only in this way our chances are greater. But words are easy and I do not like them at all. Our correct competitive action is what is required.
Do you have a contract in the new year with the Union?
"My contract is only for this season and expires on April 30. However, it does not matter, since if there is a mood on both sides, it could be renewed ".
Can the Union become the legendary team of the past again?
"I do believe in it. We need the right structure and the right plan, but looking far. The very good conditions that Paralimni has, in combination with the enthusiasm of the people, can bring the desired result ".
Does your team need support? Are there any weaknesses? In which positions will you be strengthened?
"The team must and can improve in many ways in terms of its game. The same goes for footballers individually. They have to realize that by sacrificing some things they themselves become much better. In terms of reinforcement, our effort is to find two players who can directly support the team. We are interested in a midfielder and a central defender ".
What are the working conditions like in the Union? Could you compare them to the other teams?
"Excellent. If we try to compare with the teams of category AD, we can safely do it, especially with the top six. Regarding the comparison with the teams of B 'Category, there is a difference. The facilities in Paralimni are the best ".
How is life in Paralimni in relation to Larnaca and Larissa, but also the Netherlands?
"The area where I live now (Protaras) is very beautiful and quiet. In Larnaca I had more locals around me, but I can say with confidence that I like both places. I really like the warm climate of Cyprus, something that does not exist in the Netherlands since the cold prevails, which is difficult for anyone to manage. "Larissa is very beautiful, but there is no 'water around', like in Cyprus".
What was the main reason you returned to Cyprus?
"In the meeting I had with the president of the team, I felt that he is a very warm person, imaginative, honest and trustworthy, willing to do everything, in cooperation with his board, to improve the Union at all levels. What attracted me most from our conversation was the general perception that in Paralimni there should be a reorganization and restart of a team that offered a lot to Cypriot football. I also knew that in Paralimni many people help their team in various ways. I feel the need to say that I feel very satisfied with my presence in Paralimni ".
Paralimni has the reputation of a football fan. Are there any talents that could be used immediately?
"Yes, there are some young players today who have the momentum to move on. Personally, I will try to help them to level up. Do they want it themselves? If so, then they have to sacrifice, but also suffer a lot. "
What is your opinion about the Paralimni fans?
"There is quite a satisfactory attendance and support so far, but I hope that in the near future it will grow even more. A team needs its fan and therefore the good atmosphere on the pitch… "
Your previous team in Cyprus, Anorthosis, is doing very well this year. Do you think he can endure to the end and win the championship?
"Of course it can. Anorthosis has very good people around the team and it is important that they stay cool. Panic is the worst enemy of all teams. In my tenure at Anorthosis, I have the impression that at this time we had the same score harvest. But a few small things are always enough to destroy everything else… ".
It was leaked to the press that, before the announcement of your cooperation with the Union, you had a proposal from Nea Salamina. Could you tell us why you chose the Union instead of the Varos team?
"A contact was made with Nea Salamina, but there is no reason to analyze the choice. I am in Paralimni with the sole purpose of helping the team, while Salamina has another coach ".
You worked as a coach in Anorthosis and in the First Division. What do you think is the level in Category B and what is the biggest difference between the two categories?
"In Division B there are seven teams that are very good and compete with each other. They have about the same level and I expect the details to make a difference. The difference between the two categories stems mainly from the budgets of the groups, especially the large groups. "Without being absolute, as the budget grows, the quality and level in a team must rise".
Are there any elements that bother you or that you like in Cypriot football? What is your opinion about the National Team of Cyprus and how feasible is a qualification?
"Nothing bothers me in Cypriot football, in terms of its sports, which we live as involved. APOEL, AEK, APOLLON, represent football very well in Europe and make Cyprus a good destination for very good footballers. Issues of violence, etc. certainly exist and solutions should be provided by the competent bodies. As for the National Team of Cyprus, it is a very big issue. "Maybe we should be exemplified by Iceland, which, also small in size, managed, starting from the young, to achieve fantastic things."
How was your experience in Greece? How did you see Greek football?
"I would not like to say many things about my presence in Greece, since my experience was not the best, especially in terms of team organization. "With the exception of the first six teams, the rest are at the same level with the same problems."
Source: CITIZEN