Lykogiannis: „Ohne einen Titel gehe ich aus Graz sowieso nicht weg“
Das Interview in deutscher Sprache gibt es auf Seite 1 // Interview in german on page 1
“I am not going to leave Graz without a championship!”
We meet Charalampos Lykogiannis on a beautiful summer evening in downtown Graz. The obvious choice for a location is the best Greek restaurant in town, Dionysos on Färberplatz. The wingback arrives early, properly dressed in a black-and-white polo shirt. While devouring excellently prepared quintessential Greek dishes like Moussaka, Souvlaki and Grilled Fish, “Lyko” shares fascinating stories about his home country and how he ended up playing for Sturm. He leaves no doubt that the cosy “Dionysos” is an important contribution to making Graz a second home to him. And when Lyko says that he would be more than happy to spend many more years in Styria, we have every reason to believe him.
Lyko, why is the Dionysos so important to you?
Coming here almost every day helped me so much to get started in Graz. When I first came to this wonderful city, I didn´t know anybody and didn´t understand a single word of German. I have found many new friends ever since and am very happy here. Obviously, I am still a regular at Dionysos.
Greeks are known to be very close to their native land. How frequently are you able to fly back home and what do you miss most?
I miss being around my spouse and my family. My girlfriend has a good job in Athens, so she can´t be in Graz as much as we both would want. Therefore, I take every opportunity to fly home – like the three days off we had after the Altach game.
Greece has been in financial and lately even humanitarian troubles for many years now. Unemployment, especially among younger people, is dramatic and the country is right in the center of the refugee crisis. You had better fortune than many and signed your first contract as professional footballer at the age of 19. Were you still personally affected by the crisis?
Those problems are visible everywhere in Athens, there is no escape. I am deeply grateful that I got the chance to live my dream, become a professional footballer and play in Graz. I absolutely value that.
How do all these problems in Greece affect professional football?
It is extremely difficult in Greece. The championship is about to start, but many clubs still haven´t secured sufficient funds. On the competitive side in the league, the situation is fairly similar to Austria. There are four main teams and then there is quite a gap to the minor clubs. But the quality is still there. We have enormous talent and plenty of excellent players in the league.
But the number of players who leave the country is much higher than it used to be. You are a good example. Nowadays, even the comparably small Austrian league seems to be more attractive than the Greek league.
I am sure that we will soon again see Austrians playing in Greece. And I am convinced that it is actually positive for our national squad that so many Greeks are playing in bigger leagues abroad like Portugal, England and Germany. We might not be able to repeat the Euro championship of 2004 any time soon, but Greece will soon again have a successful national team.
What would you have done if you would not have made it to professional football?
I never had a plan B. Ever since I was a little boy, I was totally crazy about football. Becoming a professional player was my only goal. (He gets up and twists the cap off a bottle). At one point I was not allowed anymore to bring my football to school. Not much changed though because then I just changed the ball for bottle caps and we kept on playing. If football wouldn’t have worked out, I would have done some other sports. Basketball perhaps, like my brother.
You have played your first Super League game for Olympiakos at the young age of 19. You have even played twice in the Champions League against Montpellier and numerous times in each national youth squad. Still, they sent you out on loan to minor clubs like Levadiakos and Ergotelis. Why did you not become a regular player for Olympiakos?
Well, we got a new coach right after my Champions League games and he didn’t count on me at all. Probably because I was too young at the time. It’s quite common in Greece that the coaches rely on older players of 25 and above. I just didn’t want to wait that long. That’s why I decided to play for those smaller clubs.
At both clubs, you played regularly. Was it realistic to return to Olympiakos and become a regular player in the starting squad?
That was simply not an option for me anymore. I also didn’t want another stint at a smaller club. I was definitely ready for a chance to play abroad.
And this chance came quickly! Could you tell us how it emerged? What were your first thoughts when you heard about the idea to play for Sturm?
As soon as my manager had told me about Sturm’s interest, I was knew that this is the right thing for me. I didn’t even ask for any detail and just booked the next best flight to Graz. I knew a lot about Sturm because of the run in the Champions League a few years earlier.
Did your first impressions meet your expectations?
Oh boy, not at all: My future teammates looked very critical and suspicious when I entered the locker room for the first time. That was really scary! It all cleared up when Stanko told me that entering the locker room in a red shirt was an absolute no-go! By now, I know about this other team called GAK. Be sure that I won’t repeat this mistake! (he points at his black and white shirt)
And then there was this unfortunate debut during the Europa-League qualifier. You tore a muscle bundle just before half time and went to rehab for several months.
That was an absolute catastrophy. But I knew that I had to work as hard as I could to come back. Step by step, but very focused and consequent. (Kostas Papanastasious, the owner of Dionysos, explained that Lyko came to the restaurant every single day during that period. Obviously, he was a bit down. But he has the right mindset and spirit to overcome such difficult times.)
You were probably not at your absolute best last fall. But by March and April you’ve become an outstanding player at Sturm. Do you agree?
Yes. The first few games after my comeback were really difficult. I was probably too scared of another injury. But that problem quickly disappeared. I am not in the position to say that I am an outstanding player. Others are more qualified to make such statements. My job is to play football as well as I possibly can.
Do you think your improvement was somehow supported by the fact that you got a new teammate named Tasos Avlonitis? We had the impression that it really helped you.
I was of course super happy when Tasos showed up. He already had been a good friend for years. I suddenly had someone to talk to about all kinds of things. It definitely helped me feeling more comfortable in general. And this in turn certainly helped me to play better.
Is it right that Tasos contacted you before he decided to join Sturm?
Yes, of course. I told him that it was a no-brainer to join Sturm. He should just hop on the next plane and come.
All in all, the second part of the last season was disappointing for Sturm. Disappointing performances, we’ve failed to reach our goals and an there was an obvious discord between the management and the fans. How do you recall these difficult times and what was it that went so wrong?
I honestly can only talk about how we’ve performed on the pitch. And that was definitely not “Sturm-worthy”. I absolutely understood that our fans were not happy with what they saw. But they still supported us for the longest time. I am so happy that this season we are finally able to give something back.
Did you players really understand what was behind the fan protests? Could you relate to that?
I think most of us understood the issues and the messages. But I am a football player. I need to play as good as I can. And we all failed to do so too often.
Let’s talk about the coach: There were loud rumours that Franco Foda might move on to Eintracht Frankfurt or 1860 Munich. It must have been difficult for you players to cope with this.
We’ve only heard about these rumours from the media. I don’t recall a single time that it was discussed among the players. The coach did not behave any differently. It was really just business as usual.
Did you experience any changes when Günter Kreissl took on his position a few months ago?
Absolutely. He brought in a lot of passion and energy. That was a big psychological help. But even more helpful was the fact that he brought in really strong players who immediately improved our game.
Günter Kreissl massively changed the squad. Of the players who left, who do you miss most?
That’s clear, I was disappointed that Tasos left. But there were a few others as well.
Are you still in contact with the former Central Defender? How is he doing? What is your opinion on why he did not stay in Graz?
We talk to each other every day on the phone. I keep telling him that he has to come back. Unfortunately, he had a surgery recently and will be back on the pitch only in October. I really hope that he will return to Graz in Winter. Believe me, he would absolutely love to be part of this great club.
You are saying that Avlonitis will return to Graz to play for Sturm?
Hopefully. And if not, he has to come as Santa Claus. Tasos had two offers from Germany, One from the Bundesliga and one from the Second Bundesliga. He refused.
It’s going pretty well for Sturm at the moment. Despite poor results in the preparation games, Sturm is leading the Bundesliga. How do you explain this strong start into the season?
The new players definitely raised our quality, no doubt about that. But the main reason is that we grew together. The team is like a family, and that just helps so much on the pitch
That indicates a lack of team spirit in the last season!
It was definitely not as good last year. But let’s be honest: We had more than our fair share of poor luck last season. It is much easier to be happy and positive when you are successful..
We’ve heard rumours about some open conflicts, for example between Donis Avdijaj and Daniel Offenbacher.
Well, these things happen. I also had some brief issues with some players, but that’s quite normal. I can not confirm that there was an exceptional rivalry between Donis and Offi.
Was there probably a lack of leaders like Christian Schulz?
Schulz played Bundesliga for a long time. His experience and character are immensely valuable for us. He is a real captain.
There was serious miscommunication between you and Christian two minutes into the game with Altach. Do you agree that it was mainly your fault?
Definitely. Christian already had ball possession and I should not have intervened. Luckily, we still won.
How did he react?
Christian did not blame me at all. On the contrary, he motivated me to give my best. And then he even came towards me right after his equalizer and dedicated the goal to me. That was pretty amazing.
You have seen the stunning improvement of James Jeggo within the last couple of months. As Conchita would say: He rose like a phoenix. How is something like that possible?
Well, congrats to Jimmy. He has developed so much and so well.
Jeggo is an important contributor to Sturm’s current success. What’s your bet: Is it just a temporary high or does the team have the potential to stay among the leading teams throughout the season?
I came here to become a champion. Or at least to win the cup. This is the reason why I became a footballer. I am not going to leave Graz before we have achieved this. Here’s a little secret: I don’t drink any alcohol. Never. But when Sturm will win the championship, I am going to buy a five-liter-barrel Puntigamer and will run with it through Herrengasse!
So you seriously believe that Sturm will defend the lead until the last round?
Yes. If we can continue to stay as focussed as we are right now, we will be the leaders after 36 rounds. We have to play each game like it is a final.
Next Saturday, you will play in front of a sell-out crowd in Graz for the first time. What are your expectations?
(Lyko stands up and starts the Sturm-chants.) Everyone is so much looking forward to that. It is so different to play before a sell-out crowd. I am really sorry for you, but you can only understand that when you are on the pitch. I will get goose bumps, that’s for sure. I often invite friends and family members to come to the games. Everyone is impressed by the atmosphere here in Graz. It is outstanding.
How is it compared to the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus?
Well, the main difference is the capacity. The stadium in Piraeus holds over 34.000. If there were the same number of people in Graz, there would not be any difference between the atmosphere in Graz and in Piraeus.
Your contract will finish after next season. The club has the option to extend it for another year. What are your thoughts about the years to come?
I want to play a brilliant season for Sturm this year and I am proud and happy to be a part of this club. I will stay in Graz for as long as the club wants me to be here. And I will always give my best.
What if Olympiakos Piraeus calls to say they want you back?
Nope, not a chance. I am a bit of a selfish person and I will do my thing. I had a plan to play abroad and I will stick to it.
You are an undisputed regular player at Sturm. Your main competitor, Christian Klem, has left the club. If you can’t play, Marvin Potzmann, a right wingback, has to help out. The only long term alternative is 19-year-old Lukas Skrivanek. How do you see his potential?
Lukas is a very young, talented player. He definitely has the potential to play in the first team.
Lyko, your powerful distance shots are always great to see. We believe you should try this more frequently. When are we going to see another “hammer”?
I didn’t have as many opportunities as I wished to have. I absolutely agree on that. But that also has to do with the way our coach wants us to play. I promise that I will think of you guys when I score the next time!
Please give us three reasons why you will stay in Graz for a longer time!
One is sitting here right next to me. My friend Kostas from the Dionysos! Secondly, I absolutely love this city. Graz is so much quieter than Athens. Of course people recognize me when I walk through town. But that’s a lot less stressful compared to Athens. And thirdly, I am so happy to play for such a great club. If Sturm offers me a new contract, I won’t hesitate a second to stay. And there is a fourth reason: Zwiebelrostbraten!
This interview with Charalampos Lykogiannis was conducted by Gernot Hofer and Günter Kolb.
Special thanks to Kostas Papanastasious for translating and the wonderful food and drinks at Dionysos!
Grandioses Interview, ich hab mich beim Lesen köstlich amüsiert, großes Lob an das Sturmnetz-Team.
Ich hätte Lykogiannis gar nicht zugetraut, dass er so ein Spaßvogel ist. Hat ja fast schon Popovic-Niveau!
richtig geiles interview mit einem echt sympathischen lyko.
Danke für das super Interview! Schön dass sowas wieder möglich ist!
Sehr gutes Interview!
Na hoff ma da Kreissl hotn Avlo seine Nummer noch…
Wozu? Dafür steht Kreissl´s Aussage „man würde nicht an Spieler fest halten, die pokern und dann, wenn Sie sich „verpokern“ wieder bei Sturm anklopfen“…..
Ich glaube eher Piräus hat gepokert…
Das auch. Aber es war auch der Spieler, der sich nicht eindeutig festlegen oder entscheiden wollte. Sollte man dann schon berücksichtigen.
Und man hat mit Spendi, Schulz und Schoissengeyr wirklich gute IV. Wozu man also einen Avlonitis holen will, der nicht wenig kosten wird bzw. dessen Gehalt auch nicht ohne sein würde, anstatt einen 4ten IV von den Amas hochzuziehen bzw. ein jungen Österreicher zu holen entzieht sich hier meiner Kenntnis.
Und ich schätze mal, dass Kreissl es so ähnlich sehen wird.
Wir haben keinen Bedarf an Avlonitis. That´s it.
Und, auch auf die Gefahr hin hier „geprügelt“ zu werden, der große Wurf war auch ein Avlonitis nicht. Das ist meine persönliche Meinung.
Naja nur leider macht nicht Kreissl die Aufstellung sondern FF…und wenn man lieber auf Offi als Lovric setzt weiß man als Jungspund wo man steht…
Zudem haben wir die Fähigkeit entweder jemanden total fertig zu machen wie Beric oder ihn so zu hypen das er keine Leistung bringt siehe Lovric.
Naja Avlo hat konstant seine Leistung gebracht und das vom ersten bis zum letzten Tag. Wäre er ein Wunderwuzzi wäre er eh in Spanien, England oder bei Bayern…
Denke nur wenn Schulz z.B. gesperrt und Spendi verletzt ist müssen Schoisi und ein Jungspund die Mauer vorm Gratzei bilden. Wäre in nem Cupfinale oder ner EL Partie vlt. ein zu unerfahrener letzter Widerstand…
Denke in der IV sind wir am dünnsten besetzt. Auf der 6 z.B. könnte fast die halbe Manschaft spielen . Konkurrenzkampf ist auch eher unwahrscheinlich wenn Schoisi nicht explodiert.
Sehr sympathisch und ehrlich, der junge Mann! Super Interview, Jungs!
Gratulation zu diesem Interview. Dass der Grieche imstande ist, solche Wuchtel rauszuhauen, hätte wohl keiner erwartet. Wirklich ein angenehmes Kerlchen. *** Eine Rückkehr von Avlonitis ist im Moment vielleicht nicht oberste Priorität, nachhaltig wäre es aber beinahe perfekt. Schulz ist nimmer der Jüngste, patzt noch das ein oder andere Mal, Verletzungen passieren immer mal. Und va an Avlo weiß man was man hat. Hoffentlich wird das wirklich was.
Tolles Interview!
Danke an das Sturmnetz-Team!
Saugeiles Interview. Super Typ.
Off Topic bzw. Frage: Weiß jemand ob ich mir online ein Matic Trickot bestellen kann oder muss ich mir das im Sturm Shop kaufen?
ein Bravo dem SturmNetz Team, tolles Interview, Lyko der Frage „Donis vs Offi“ elegant beantwortet :-))))
Sehr sympathisch und der Titel des Interviews ist einmal eine Ansage!