Takis Pantelis: “Paris, Real and Arsenal among the favorites. The Champions League needs character”
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The former international goalkeeper, Takis Pantelis, speaks to the editor-in-chief of Discoveryfootball.com Manos Staramopoulos about many interesting topics, emphasizing: “Big competitions need soul and a clear mind”
Panagiotis (Takis) Pantelis was a goalkeeper of responsibility and character. He honored the Apollon Athens jersey, won the championship with PAOK (the second in the club’s history) and ended his career at Panionios. Today, with the serenity of experience, he analyzes the great challenges of modern football.
“The Champions League,” he emphasizes, “is a matter of depth and personality. It is not enough to play well; you have to endure when the ball is “burning”.” When asked about the favorites, his answer is clear: “Paris Saint-Germain starts as title holders and this gives them confidence. Barcelona and Real Madrid have tradition and quality. Arsenal are going through perhaps their best period since the Arsene Wenger era; they are playing maturely and with confidence.”
He also stands out among the English powers: “Manchester City seem to be rediscovering their good self, the cohesion and the intensity that characterized them. And of course Liverpool — with their heavy European experience — know how to survive on difficult nights.”
Pantelis speaks with the certainty of a man who has lived through title matches: “In the end, the balance of defense and offense will count. The big teams don’t get carried away.”
The World Cup
The conversation turns to the World Cup and the former international goalkeeper chooses carefully. "The French national team has quality in all areas. The Spanish national team, as holders of the European Championship, has pace and automation. The English national team has been trying for years to return to the top; perhaps now, with the German, Thomas Tuchel, they will change the situation."
Cristiano Ronaldo
He does not neglect experience and ambition: "The Portuguese national team has Cristiano Ronaldo. It will probably be his last World Cup and moments like these give rise to excesses." And, of course, "the Argentine national team with Lionel Messi remains a point of reference. When you have a footballer who can change the fate of a match with one action, you can't help but be among the favorites."
Pantelis returns to the philosophy of his position: “The goalkeeper learns to live with responsibility. The same applies to national teams in major tournaments. Whoever manages stress better, whoever remains disciplined in their plan, will advance.” In closing, he notes with simplicity: “Titles are not won with names but with decisions. Glory is hidden in the details — and dreams are lost in the details.”
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