Alex Tambakis, the first player signed by Atlanta United, had a good debut for Charleston in an exhibition victory over the New York Cosmos on Saturday.
Tambakis had six saves in the Battery’s 3-0 win. They will play Cincinnati on Friday. Tambakis is training with Charleston, Atlanta United’s affiliate in USL.
Tambakis took part in an interview last week. The native of Greece was thoughtful, funny and seems dedicated to improving at his craft.
Q: What makes a good goalie?
A: Character, that’s the most important thing. Just be calm from the goalposts. Be strong.
Q: Had you heard of Atlanta?
A: I had heard of it when I was in Greece. We came to an agreement.
Q: What did you know?
A: I knew that they were starting a soccer team. I went online and found information.
Q: Had you heard of Atlanta United?
A: Yes.
Q: What were your thoughts when you spoke with Atlanta United’s Carlos Bocanegra for the first time?
A: It was exciting because I have family in the United States, my second country. It feels like home here anyway. It’s not the first time I left Greece. I know how it is. It’s like home.
I have family that lives in Seattle. I have some relatives. My mother is from Newport Beach, Calif.
Q: Do you feel any pressure with being the first player signed?
A: No, not at all. I don’t have any pressure, even when I’m playing. I like it. I’m excited and happy.
Q: Do you dream about that first game and possibly being in goal? What happens?
A: I haven’t dreamed, but I’ve been thinking about my first game. I just really want to play. I’m just waiting on that moment.
Q: What were your misconceptions about America that have been proven false?
A: I found it like I thought it would be. I knew exactly what it would be like. I love it, already.
Q: What’s the best part?
A: People are very nice here. I’ve found the good weather. Everybody is so good to me. I’m very happy for that.
Q: Have you enjoyed the food?
A: The food. I always like food.
I had Chick-fil-A. I enjoyed it a lot. I don’t really eat fast food.
Q: From your limited experience here so far, how is soccer different in the U.S. than in Greece?
A: I like it here because it’s organized. That’s the first thing everybody looks at. Now the soccer will develop. It’s not 100 percent on the top yet, but I believe that they will be. The people work very hard for that. The people want the soccer on the top, where it is in Europe right now.
It’s been great.
Q: How is it the same?
A: I’ve seen good players, like I’ve seen in Europe.
Q: What are your goals this season at Charleston?
A: Just to give my best, play games. That’s what I want to be ready for Atlanta and to be the best in Charleston and hopefully be in first place.
Q: Your coach said you aren’t afraid to challenge opponents. Where does that come from?
A: I think I had it, naturally.
That’s what I meant when I said “To have character.” When you have character you are brave. Be strong in every single moment, even in bad moments.
In bad moments you can see if he is a good goalkeeper. Will he stand up?
Q: What do you need to improve upon skill-wise?
A: Little bit of everything. I try to develop every single thing. I try to do everything.
I can command the area very good, with my defense.
Q: What will you work on most?
A: Always need to work on everything. Don’t have a big weakness.
Toughest thing is the crosses. That’s where every goalkeeper needs work.
I’ve been working my footwork.
Q: What goalkeepers do you look up to?
A: (Iker) Casillas. I want to be like him.
Q: What were the issues with finding games in Greece?
A: That was bad luck, also. It was difficult. I was in a very big club in Greece. Very difficult for young players in Greece. Clubs are always buying players. Difficult for younger players to play.
I was always ready. Sometimes it happens.
You can see a lot of good goalkeepers who are young. Big clubs always buy the top goalkeepers.
You have to be lucky.
Casillas was lucky. He was good, but three keepers had to be injured for him to play.
Q: What American phrase have you heard the most?
A: Redneck (laughs). Heard that a lot, but not directed at me.
