Konstantinidis: “We didn’t like the government’s decision at all – Asteras can create problems for us”

After the triumph of his groups Conference LeaguePAOK returns to domestic matches, facing him Star in Tripoli (17/12, 17:30) for the 14th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League.

In view of this match, the direct partner of Razvan Lucescu, Pantelis Konstantinidisspoke to the NOVA camera about the European course of the “bicephalus”, the showdown in Arcadia and the government’s measures.

In detail what he said:

For PAOK’s successful presence in the Conference League groups: “We also feel a sense of satisfaction inside, but a small circle has been closed for the time being. We will wait for our next opponent in the European matches, we are very satisfied with the progress of the team. Now we will have to focus on the championship, to close this part – although we have entered the second round – of the games until the end of the year, with good results.

On what performances like the record 16 points and the best attack together with Genk in the Conference League mean: “For sure they are important, they give us a feeling that we are doing something the right way, we are working right, the kids are convinced and convince themselves that they work in the right conditions and what they create in training they see come out in the match. And for us in the coaching team and for the players it is important that they feel confident, that they know that the work they are doing is the right one and that this way of working pays off on the pitch. The records we are achieving, the goals we are scoring create a feeling of self-confidence and this must be carried over to the pitch. This is our goal both as a team and individually for the players.”

For the fact that there is not just one protagonist, but everything is shared within the team: “It also makes it difficult for the opponent that there is a variety in scoring, in assists, in the work that needs to be done on our part. It’s also for us to maneuver because we choose the ones we need to win the matches we have next”.

On whether PAOK is ready for the match with Asteras: “I think we are ready, they have done what they need to do in training which we have said is not many, there is never enough time to work as much as we want because of the busy schedule we have. Tactically and psychologically, however, there is great readiness for the game with Asteras. We have some absences, but the team has shown that they can overcome them, no matter how important they are.”

Why Tripoli is traditionally a difficult home for PAOK: “It is not only for PAOK, but for all teams. This is a team that is always organized, they love football in Tripoli, they have a style of play that they have been practicing for years and they try to play football and put the opponent in difficult situations. They are not a defensive team. They are a team that chases the result, very good with good quality players and this creates problems for us and for the other teams. We are expecting a good match and I think we will succeed. We have to play the game we always play. If we are the ones we should be, we will be able to win.”

On how much the absence of people from the stands affects: “We know that people give a lot of impetus to the team, a lot of power and a positive influence on the team. For us as PAOK, it was a decision that we did not like at all. I don’t want to comment anything else on the decision that was made, I just hope it pays off in some way and we see some results, the way they handled the situation, closing the stadiums.

I think, however, that nothing important will come out of what happened. I hope some other steps will be taken during this time when the stadiums will be empty. There are countries that have had huge problems in the past, let’s not just mention England, they are the biggest example and now a diamond for all world football, but there were others. I think these countries can set an example for us, the authorities should talk to some expert people who obviously exist and should have already been contacted. If there’s a will and we all try, it’s not something that can’t be solved.”