Metgod has plenty of praise for Pompey’s Greeks

They might just be adjusting to life in England, but Portsmouth FC’s first-team coach John Metgod is confident that Greece duo Angelos Basinas and Theofanis Gekas will help Pompey overcome yet another relegation scare.

Speaking to Pompey TV, Metgod was more than optimistic about Pompey’s winter signings, and claimed strongly that the Greek pair would do marvels for their new club.

“The signings we did were good,” he told Pompey TV.

“Gekas has got a very good goalscoring record, not only in Greece but in Germany, where he played for Bochum first and then Leverkusen.

“And I think Basinas is a very clever, intelligent midfield player. He has a lot of experience and is a good passer of the ball. I think he has good vision.”

With a  tough match against title chasers Liverpool this weekend, Fratton Park will be hoping Pompey can begin the healing process. The club’s official website has confirmed Basinas will start the match for the home side, while Gekas will do likewise on the bench.

“They will both be assets to the group and to the squad. Hopefully they can produce, starting straight away against Liverpool,” he continued.

It’s is expected to be a long battle for Portsmouth, after several high-quality stars left Fratton Park for greener pastures in England and abroad; including Lassana Diarra, who joined Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Jermaine Defoe left the club to return to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, after the England international claimed his stay with the Hampshire club featured death threats.

“I think even though it is Liverpool for their first game, they must always play to get three points. I am absolutely sure we have got to be motivated – in this situation you must go for the win.”