Nerantzakis: “PAOK is a great honor for me, everyone knows the size of the club”

THE Stathis Nerantzakis is his new coach PAOKwith the 47-year-old being introduced by the “black and white” one day before his debut against AEK Betsson (03/02, 18:45).

In his first statements, the Greek technician spoke about them targets of PAOK, but also for great honour which is for him this position he assumes.

In detail, what Stathis Nerantzakis mentioned:

“Thank you all for coming here today for our first meeting. I want to wish you a good rest of the racing season and with the best possible finish. The first game I have to face is AEK, we have almost the same goals, so it’s an important game for the rest of the season. As far as the competition is concerned, we are at a critical point in time, because sixth place is at stake».

For the objectives of the Biceps: “I have been doing this job for several years as an assistant. There has been a coaching change, but it is from within, so the players are in familiar surroundings. Certainly, the management wants us to secure sixth place so that we can go into the Play-in process in the top six and try our best and get as high as possible».

As for what new things fans should expect from PAOK: “The preparation was not what we would have liked, due to the absence of our internationals. The first thing we want to improve is the offensive part».

On the importance of him taking over the technical leadership of PAOK: “Great honour. Everyone knows the size of the club. It doesn’t create extra stress and pressure for me, I’ve been in the team for five years and it’s a familiar environment for me. I am given an opportunity that I can lead this team to higher levels of the standings».

For the work done: “The team had many ups and downs, had good moments, but also bad moments. The last two unsuccessful results shook everyone’s psyche. These are things of the past, we have also had discussions with the administration, but also the coaching team to the players. What I told the players is that it’s not how we progress in a season, it’s how we finish. If we can finish the season in a successful and competitive way, I think people will embrace the team and the basketball they play again».

His message to fans: “I am a native of Thessaloniki and I know how PAOK fans react to both victories and defeats. PAOK is its people, regardless of who it is, whether it’s me or someone else. This is what people need to understand first of all, to embrace the team in both joys and sorrows. We want to give the world as much joy as possible».