The technical director of the “Greens’” youth academy, Christakis Christoforou, in remarks he made to SPOR FM 95.0.
He emphasized that he believes the player has the character and skills to compete for a starting spot, but will need time to adjust.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
He also spoke about the work at the academies, how players make their way to the first team, and the national team’s match against Armenia.
In detail:
On Viktoros: “He has what it takes to be selected. He’ll definitely need time to adjust. From what I’ve seen in training, though, he can hold his own. I’m confident he has the skills and character to compete for a spot on the defense.”
On his work at the Omonia academies: “I’ve been with the team for 7–8 months now. There’s a lot of potential, and we could have more players at the grassroots level. We’ve focused on the U15–U19 age groups. We’ve made some changes to the staff, and I feel like we’re much better now. There’s the issue with the fields, which we’re trying to resolve. Once the Omonia field is completed, the academy will use 3.5 fields at “Ilias Poulous.”
On how players make it to the first team: “There are many factors that play a role, such as mindset. It’s the team’s policy to promote players, and there have been several examples in recent years. The goal isn’t just for them to play in matches against weaker teams, but to establish themselves. This is the policy every coach at Omonia follows. It is imperative that Cypriot players be utilized at Omonia. Our goal at the academy is to prepare the players, develop them, and help them make it to the first team.”
Regarding players sent out on loan: “We’ve proven that, through loan spells, our players return better prepared. One example is Andreou. Pittas and Andreou, for example, had the character and showed through their loan stints that they can reach the top.”
On the academy players who stand out: “There are some young players who stand out. We’ll be there to prepare them for the first team. Their chances of making it to Omonia’s first team are greater than at other clubs.”
On the first-team roster: “Even if we haven’t fully realized it yet, there have been many changes to the team. It will take a little time to fill the gaps left by the significant departures. The players who have joined us are clearly talented, and it’s just a matter of them adapting. I’m confident that Omonia will perform much better. It’s just a matter of time, nothing else. The team is in the running for the championship, is in the group stage, and has depth on the roster. Rotation is necessary for the team to hold up.”
On the national team: “The goal was to achieve more. We’re still on track, but I think it will be very difficult to secure first place. Unfortunately, when certain players are missing, it’s obvious. We don’t have that many quality players. When we have absences, things get tough for the national team. Laifis is out, and we have a problem—not that I want to take anything away from anyone. There are some absences that really take their toll. We could have scored more goals.”
On the match against Armenia: “It’s a crucial game. If we don’t win, we’ll stay in the same division.”
