Manzios: “AEK is a different team from Panathinaikos – Let’s be disciplined and focused”

A very interesting game includes the 13th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League, since the AEK hosts him Mars at “Opap Arena” (4/12, 21:00).

In view of this confrontation, Mr Akis Manzios spoke of the elevated psychology that the Thessalonians have after the victory over him Panathinaikoubut stressing that Union is a different team and the match needs a lot of attention.

In detail what he said to the NOVA camera:

Initially, when asked about the positives that the victory over the “greens” gave to Aris, he answered:

“The previous victory against Panathinaikos has helped us a lot psychologically. It was the first derby at home and we wanted to win. It was a bet for all of us to win and see the potential of our team against an excellent opponent, such as Panathinaikos!”.

Regarding the fact that after this victory Aris stepped firmly into the top five of the scoreboard and how much this helps the thinking of the “yellows”, he emphasized:

“And that helps us, like every victory! We are a completely new team, with a lot of players who came into the team late, in a difficult year from the beginning for our team and with a lot of injuries during it so far. Some of these injuries, in fact, were difficult. All this did not let the team have cohesion and the best possible results. So every win helps us get better, as does every week that goes by.”

As the coach himself brought up the issue of the many absences, he was asked about the extensive rotation he has had to do in many games since taking charge of Aris again. He said about it:

“It’s not the best… We have nineteen new players and a small body from previous seasons. All this makes trying to be coherent difficult. It takes time for everyone to get to know their teammates. So for us, the technical leadership, all this was difficult, because it was not even our choice to do it. We have never had the same lineup in a second game in a row. There were always problems and we tried to find the best solution with whatever problems we had at the time.”

More specifically, regarding the fact that at some point he had to manage a roster with thirteen (13) absent players, he pointed out:

“Indeed… It wasn’t easy, but that’s our job. In difficult situations let’s try to find the best solution for the team”.

Now, however, Manzios counts player returns, so he commented with relief:

“Yes, we are waiting for others to return, in addition to those who have already returned. We are certainly in better shape than two or three weeks ago. And the players who have come back week by week are better integrated into the team.”

To the remark that against Panathinaikos was the second game in a row that Aris did not concede a goal, and in fact this time from a team that has more than 30 goals in the league, he replied:

“We made a very serious performance against Panathinaikos. We served a specific plan and did not give Panathinaikos the opportunity to threaten us. He did some phases, because we don’t play alone, but that’s it. We didn’t give Panathinaikos the opportunity to take advantage of their strengths and become dangerous for us.”

As for whether the way they played against Panathinaikos is a guide for Aris in the upcoming match against AEK, he explained why this is not the case and at the same time sent a message to his players:

“AEK is another team. He has a different style of play. She is the champion! It is a team that has the same core, the same players from last season and the same coach. It’s a very well-worked team. It relies heavily on the game of intensity and high tempo. They are a different team than Panathinaikos. Accordingly we will try to adapt to cope with the coming game. It’s a derby and in derbies all players want to play. Whoever they play, however, as a team we must be very focused and disciplined, because AEK is a very good opponent and this match needs attention”.