Kostopoulos relishing Kyrgiakos experience

Sydney Olympic winger Evan Kostopoulos is relishing the opportunity to play with former Greek international Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

The centre back was unveiled as a Sydney Olympic player at a press conference this Monday and will play the first of his two-game contract when Sydney Olympic host the Blacktown Spartans at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday.

Kostopoulos was 14 when he saw Kyrgiakos and the Greek national team triumph in the Euro 2004.

“He is a big name especially the last five years of his career he has played at Liverpool and Wolfsburg so to play with anyone of that calibre is very exciting,” Kostopoulos said.

“I was in the city with all the Greeks in Adelaide which I think every city did the same thing (during the final).

“It doesn’t feel like 10 years ago but I definitely remember it. “

The former Adelaide United departed the A-League at the completion of last season.

But after a stint in Asia fell through he was contacted by Sydney Olympic and joined the former National Soccer League side, moving to Sydney within weeks.

“If I knew things were going to turn out the way they did (in Asia), I would have stayed in Adelaide,” he said.

“But now I have taken a step back and hopefully I have a good season with the team and I can get back to the professional level.”

Kostopoulos impressed in his first outing for his new side as they went on to win their opening match of the National Premier League NSW men’s 1 competition 2-0 over Sydney United 58.

He admits settling into the team has been easy with head coach Grant Lee reminding him of a previous mentor.

“(Grant’s) knowledge on the game is second to none,” he said.

“He is actually good mates with John Kosmina who was my coach last year so they actually remind me of each other.

“I am not sure if they have played together but that is one good thing as they are very similar the way they go about things.

“Our team has been together now for three months and most of us are new players. Considering that we have gelled well together.

“(The standard of football) is better than I thought even though it is a lower level.

“All the boys are talented, the facilities are good. Under the A-League It is definitely the next best thing so I can’t complain.”

Sydney Olympic will host a cultural festival prior to the match this Sunday with food stalls and live entertainment on hand at Belmore Sports Ground from 1pm onwards, as well as free entry before 3pm. 

-By Chris Georges