Which is easier — winning Euro 2004 as underdogs, or winning the Confederations Cup 2005 as European champions?
People initially underestimated us at Euro 2004, so we started well and you have to say it was easier winning the European Championship after that. But anyone who knows football already recognised we had a decent team. But following up a major success or defending a trophy is always that much more difficult. What’s the image of the Confederations Cup in Greece and how valuable is it to you? It definitely has an enhanced reputation nowadays because the Greeks see it as part of their reward for winning the European title. Greece and her footballers have earned the chance to take part at a major tournament like this and they could do something for their own image in June 2005. Before then, Greece need to polish up a tarnished image in FIFA World Cup qualification — you’ve yet to win and you’re second from bottom in your group. What’s the situation ahead of your next match against Kazakhstan on 17 November in Athens? We still have nine games to play. We’re not out of it yet. Now that you’
