Takianos: “We were betrayed by the three-pointer and by the many fouls by the tall players”

Fotis Takianos emphasized that PAOK had found a rhythm in the first half against Panathinaikos, he focused on the difference in rotation and roster between the two teams, compared the budgets, but, despite this, the “two-headed” fought in the match, while praising his performance McNeese.

Analytically: “I want to wish all the teams a healthy season and everyone achieve the goals they have set. It also requires mental and spiritual strength. As for today’s game, I’ll talk about the first half first. Our function in defense is what gave the team pace. We may have had 0/6 three-pointers, but we were close to the score.

We wanted to be more of a threat from outside the three-point line. We couldn’t stay in the game after 43-46 and that’s because our big guys were loaded with fouls. We ‘opened’ the rotation and this gave Panathinaikos the opportunity to open the scoring, because we became soft. Our team didn’t give up, they tried until the last second and we closed the game the way we did.

We must not overlook our opponent. The starting point of the groups is often overlooked. It is important to see what goals, what budget and what money a team has. We have a roster with young and experienced players. If we continue to work in the same way, we will have the development we want in defense and attack.”

On whether this defeat will be beneficial: “Of all the games, the point is to recognize at what point the short-term goals have been achieved, that is, if they can work as a team and if they have ‘absorbed’ the tactics. Against Panathinaikos we will try to see where we are in the above requirements.

There is no friendly or official in my mind, because we treat them with the same logic. The player should not differentiate in his mind the game he will come out to play. All matches have the same importance and are treated with the same logic.”

On McNeese and his appearance: “For us, the whole thing is what we’re looking for. McNeese was acquired based on his athletic qualities, he is at a step up age and can fit in with the rest of the players. We are still in the first game and I don’t want to do injustice to the rest of the team, nor to the player’s potential.”