Giorgos Bartzokas: ‘At Many Arenas, I’m Not the Olympiacos Coach But Someone They Love to Hate’

In a major interview on Nova’s Monday FC show, Giorgos Bartzokas discussed his presence on the bench and his viral celebration at Karaiskakis Stadium. He addressed the intensity he often displays during games and what irritates him inside the park. Regarding the last two AEK – Olympiacos matches, Bartzokas emphasized that he never celebrates when the opponent is under pressure. He also spoke about team chemistry, personal player relations, and the importance of having an experienced support staff. Bartzokas admitted that coaching can be lonely, with long hours spent preparing for games followed by solitude at home. The coach also revealed that he gets angry when players prioritize their egos over the team and explained how he manages stress after losses. Furthermore, he mentioned that his on-field demeanor is a conscious choice aimed at motivating players, though it sometimes causes discomfort. Reflecting on his viral celebration during the Conference League final, Bartzokas stated that he embraces living in the moment and doesn’t mind being disliked by some fans.