Kari Arnason Interview
Kari spoke to the press and RedTV after his first game back in Brechin:
“It is brilliant to be back.
“My first game, there was obviously a bit of rustiness as that was my first game since the Croatia match with Iceland at the end of last season but I am happy to get the 90 minutes under my belt. It was nice to get the goal.
“I have great memories of playing in Scotland and hopefully I can keep it going.
“It is a great squad and a great group of lads. They have made me feel very welcome and I feel I could not have settled in any better.
“I think anything is possible with this team. I was very impressed with the second half performance last Thursday. We created a lot of chances.
“I have always kept an eye on the Aberdeen scored to see how they were doing. I do that with most of the club I have played for. It is getting a bit too many now! But I have kept up with how things are going at Pittodrie and it has been brilliant to see them doing so well.
“The manager is very composed and also very enthusiastic about the game and that rubs off on players.
“Once I heard there was interest from Aberdeen it was quite an easy decision for me. But it was not easy to get out of the club I was at. I wanted to make the move and was honest with them. I had to make financial sacrifices but it was worth it to play for a very good team, a very competitive team in a competitive league. There are some massive games in this league. I enjoyed them the first time around and I think I am going to enjoy it the second time as well.
“Apollon are actually a very good team. Going forward especially. They are good on the ball. They have got pace and they have got good movement up front. They play a certain style. If you press them high it is critical you don’t sell yourself doing that because these are technical players and they will go past you if you sell yourself. It is a patient job that is required and hopefully we can take advantage of playing at home.
“In Cyprus you have six teams who are stronger than the rest. The league then divides into two and the top six play against each. So the top end is quite competitive. The financial situation means they pay well and get good players.
“Apollon are a good team and we have to respect that. Still I think we have a chance of going through. If we play our game anything is possible.
“If you can play against big players (Like Ronaldo) you should be conformable against all players. But it does not always work like that. One of the hardest leagues I played in was actually league two in England. They are some of the hardest players you play against because the more random their decision making becomes, the harder it is to read the situation. At the top level it is sometimes easier reading the game if you get my drift.
“But I feel having played in these big games over the past couple of years does help.
“Hopefully I can help the team. It is all about the team. It is not about my individual performances and hopefully I can help the team get results in the league and in Europe.
“Aberdeen is a top-notch club now. I can already see that. The preparation for every game is very good. It is more professional and I think that is helpful when you are trying to get results.”
“Aberdeen is a top-notch club now. I can already see that. The preparation for every game is very good. It is more professional and I think that is helpful when you are trying to get results.”
