It has been a hectic few weeks for Konstantinos Koulierakis since signing for VfL. After the Europa League play-offs with his former club PAOK Thessaloniki, a brief introduction in Wolfsburg and two Nations League games with Greece, the defender has finally arrived at his new home. In this interview, “Kouli” talks about the first meeting with his new team-mates, his family and what immediately caught his eye in Wolfsburg.
Konstantinos, you’ve just been in action for Greece in the Nations League. How have the last few days gone for you?
Konstantinos Koulierakis: “I’m very happy to be here at last. I’ve now had the first training sessions with the team. The group has made me welcome and I’ve felt very accepted. I can’t wait to kick on with the team.”
You were known as ‘The Hammer’ at PAOK. Where did this nickname come from?
Konstantinos: “To be honest, I don’t know. It probably traces back to my style of play. I’m a very strong defender with a lot of power. Maybe that’s why my team-mates called me that. I told the boys that ‘Kouli’ is fine – that’s simpler.”
What was your conversation like with ex-Wolfsburg man Vieirinha?
Konstantinos: “I asked him a few things and he gave me some very handy tips on the club and the city, which was very important for me. He spoke very positively about VfL and that made it even clearer that I should come here.”
