As I sit down to chat with Yianni Perkatis, the new Western Sydney Wanderers midfielder, he’s rushing in and out of lectures. “It’s always good to have a back up plan along with football,” he says with a laugh. Now with a more permanent position in the team, the youngster will have to learn to juggle the two.
Training with the first team since pre-season, the 19-year-old has amassed great success in the youth team and even represented his country in the Mexico World Cup. It was only a matter of time until he caught the eye of coach Tony Popovic and got promoted.
Here’s what Yianni had to say on his new team, the new training regimen and the youth league’s benefits:
Helen Velissaris (H.V): You’re playing for the seniors now. How do you feel?
Yianni Perkatis (Y.P): I feel incredible. Words can’t describe that feeling because you’ve been working so long and hard for it. It’s really good to be representing the Western Sydney community.
H.V: You’ve been training with the first team for a while now, how does the level compare?
Y.P: I’ve been training with them since pre-season.
As a junior it’s tough, because in training you have to compete with men. It’s also enjoyable as well. It’s got its own rewards and it’s really good for development. It’s definitely a harder level, they’re a lot faster, quicker, stronger and mentally tougher, so you’ve got to used to it and learn from them.
H.V: Leaving the youth team behind, are you sad to leave?
Y.P: In a way yes, but I’m moving on to the next page of my life. I can’t wait to get started and train with the big boys as I’ve been doing for the last year.
H.V: Do you think there’s enough of a chance for young footballers to play first team football?
Y.P: Everyone has an opportunity and being in the youth team is a better opportunity because you’re under the eye of Popovich and the other coaches. The opportunity is great for young players around NSW.
H.V: What’s been your football highlight?
Y.P: Going to Mexico with the under 17s. Representing Australia, that was incredible. Basically, we went into our tournaments two years prior to the World Cup. We had a couple of tournaments and qualifiers. We qualified and we beat the UAE in extra time and that’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
H.V: Has football always interested you?
Y.P: I loved it, my whole family loves it, the extended family loves it, so it was something that I really wanted to get into when I was younger and was really happy I made the right choice.
H.V: Do you follow the Greek Super League?
Y.P: Not really, on the occasion I check it, it’s always good to know who’s on top
H.V: Who do you look up to in the team?
Y.P: Shinji Ono is pretty good. Players in my position – Aaron Mooy is someone to look up to – and the other boys that play midfield. Our coach, he’s been there, done that, and it’s great to learn off that.
H.V: Can WSW keep up their top position?
Y.P: Without a doubt. The boys are confident, they’re playing good football and working hard in training. As long as you’ve got those three things and the attitude and mentality’s right, results come with it.
