Nigeria forward Cyriel Dessers has called on Panathinaikos to improve their finishing and settle matches earlier after his strike secured a 1-0 victory over Volos on Sunday.
The former Rangers striker scored after the break, converting a pass from Andrews Tetteh. Despite dominating much of the contest, Dessers said Panathinaikos allowed their opponents back into the game during a spell in the second half.
He dismissed fatigue as a possible explanation for the lapse.
“First of all, I think fatigue was not a factor tonight. We ran a lot. We felt good, fresh. The pitch was in very good condition tonight in my opinion,” Dessers said, as quoted by Gazzetta.
“So those were not excuses. We were in control of the game for most of it. Only in one part in the second half did we lose control, we allowed our opponent to become more dangerous. We have to be smarter in these situations and try to end the games earlier.”
Dessers credited Tetteh for his contribution to the winning goal.
“I think Andrews made a great individual move at the beginning and then with the cross. Great ball,” he said. “I was happy that I was able to make a good move and finish the game.”
Assessing his growing understanding with his teammates, the forward acknowledged that their partnership was still developing.
“As far as our collaboration goes, these are the first matches we have played together. I think you can already see improvement and there is room for more,” he said.
“If we use each other more in and around the box, if we can play together or with Rastøder or Levi, it is going to be hard for any defence to deal with us.”
Dessers has made an encouraging return from injury at the start of the campaign and will look to maintain his momentum as he works towards regaining his best form.
