Interview: AEK Athens forward Ezequiel Ponce

Current Greek Super League champions AEK Athens are presently fourth in the Greek Super League behind leaders PAOK Salonika, whilst also trailing behind second place Atromitos Athens and third place Olympiacos.

Marinos Ouzounidis’ Greek powerhouse have won six of their first nine Greek Super League games this season, coupled alongside two draws and one loss in the current 2018/2019 campaign. AEK Athens have won three of their last five league encounters and face reigning Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening.

AEK Athens, who are currently last in their UEFA Champions League group, lost 3-0 to last season’s Eredivisie runners-up Ajax in their opening UEFA Champions League game this season. The Greek giants UEFA Champions League form then followed with a 3-2 loss to Benfica and subsequently a 2-0 defeat to FC Bayern Munich courtesy of goals from Javi Martinez and Robert Lewandowski.
FOX Sports Radio 96.9 FM/1340 AM’s Dean Perretta briefly caught up with AEK Athen’s on-loan forward from AS Roma, Ezequiel Ponce, who has scored five goals in 14 appearances this season, to discuss the Greek titans title defense in the Greek Super League this season, as well as AEK Athens’ UEFA Champions League campaign and the 21-year-old Argentinean’s growth playing under Marinos Ouzounidis.

Dean Perretta: Firstly Ezequiel, since arriving on loan from AS Roma, can you talk about the transition of settling in and your positive start thus far with AEK Athens this season?

Ezequiel Ponce: Settling in here was a fast and pleasant procedure, because the technical staff, my teammates and the fans of AEK helped me. I am pleased with the positive start I have made, but there is always on my mind the thought that I can become better and better.

Dean Perretta: What are your overall thoughts on AEK Athens UEFA Champions League campaign this season?

 Ezequiel Ponce: Champions League is the competition where the best European clubs perform and we needed a lot of work in order for AEK to have the chance playing at this. Of course, I don’t know how far can we go at this difficult competition, but I have complete faith in my teammates and we will all give our 100% for the best possible campaign.

Dean Perretta: Can you talk about the ambitions and expectations for AEK Athens in the Greek Super League this term?

 Ezequiel Ponce: Definitely winning the Super League again is our target. We are the defending Greek champions and we will fight to repeat that, not only because it is our desire, but also because the current squad of AEK is more than capable to achieve that.

Dean Perretta: How would you describe you progression and confidence playing under Marinos Ouzounidis?

 Ezequiel Ponce: I want to thank our manager for his faith and support. I will try hard to prove him right, always by working well with my teammates and trying to score as many goals as possible.

Dean Perretta: Lastly, what are your thoughts on AEK Athens highly passionate fans?

Ezequiel Ponce: In every match with the fans by our side, we feel extra confidence and strength. They are so passionate for AEK and make us give our 100% in order for our team to win. I really want to thank them for their support and for being on our side with their voice.

Dean Perretta
Dean Perretta is a 2x SEA Award-winning creative, Broadcast Journalist, Reporter, Courtside Analyst for BBC televised London Lions and Executive Producer who currently contributes to FOX Sports Radio, FourFourTwo Magazine and Muscle & Fitness Magazine.