Manzios: “The draw with Panserraikos hurt us, but we have to move on”

Statements in front of the NOVA camera ahead of his team’s away match against PAS Ioannina for the 22nd matchday of the Stoiximan Super League, made by Akis Manzios.

The coach of Aris referred to the draw with Panserraikos, clarified that although everyone in the team lives and breathes for the Cup, everyone’s mind must remain on the “Zosimados” game and not on the first semi-final with Panaitolikos, while he also spoke about the transfer additions made during January.

What Aris’ coach said in detail:



On whether the team left behind the draw with Panserraikos: “The draw in the match against Panserraikos has definitely been left behind. The way this result came and the minute the equalizer came hurt us, but we have to move on. We closed a demanding January with ten consecutive games in thirty days. After a long time the team trained normally this week. And the players rested and took the necessary breaths, which they needed”.

On whether his players realized that the referee had to… blow his whistle to end the match, because it wasn’t the first time that winning points were lost in stoppage time: “It is the second game, that we are together and lose the points of victory through our hands. And the players are upset and annoyed. Sometimes these things work for you and sometimes against you. I hope we don’t have to pay it again next time. Until the end of the regular season we want to get positive results and then get ready for the playoffs”.

For the upcoming match against PAS Ioannina: “This game is also difficult. Every team, and especially those fighting for salvation, are burning for points, so we must also adapt to the needs of the match. We have to present ourselves properly and claim the victory”.

Regarding the fact that the Cup match with Panaitolikos immediately follows: “We’re trying to get that out of the players’ minds. As we well know, the team lives and breathes for the Cup, however, the priority at the moment is the game against PAS Ioannina. We are all trying to devote ourselves to the match against PAS Ioannina and then we will see the match against Panaitolikos next Tuesday”.

To manage roster forces: “We will assess the situation and see what we need to do. It is important that the team rested this week and worked well. We are ready for the continuation of the championship and the Cup”.

For the account of the movements in the winter transfer window: “Four new players have arrived. If we exclude Bennett, Ansarifard, Rose and Fetfatzidis know Greek football and therefore do not need time to adapt. Already, Rose and Fetfatzidis have been in for a long time and we expect Ansarifard to come as well. Bennett is showing good signs and will take his time too.

With these four we closed with the transfers. We made an effort to get one more player. Unfortunately, we did not find someone with the characteristics we were looking for. We focus on the material we have. We have shown that when we are all together and we are good, the team can demand many things. We are a good group and our aim is to do as well as possible in the league and in the Cup”.