Manzios: “AEK is the best team in Greece at the moment – We have to cope with their game”

AEK was described as the best team in the Greek league by Akis Manziosin his statements ahead of the match between Aris and “Enos” on Sunday (3/3, 19:30) for the last (26th) matchday of the Stoiximan Super League regular season.

The Thessaloniki coach explained that his team must cope with the “double-header” game in order to claim victory.

He explained that Aris must correct the mistakes he made in his recent defeat against Panathinaikos, but without staying in this match.

In detail, Akis Manzios spoke to NOVA about:

-what was left in his team from the game against Panathinaikos: “It really bothered us how we got into this game. In the first twenty minutes we were very bad and passive. Nothing happened from what we had planned. In the end, we left empty handed».

-if the momentum that Aris had built after this defeat at Alexandra Avenue, which broke the streak of eight matches of the “yellows” in the league and the Cup, was broken: “I don’t think our mood is broken. You get something from every game. The important thing is, when something goes wrong, you can correct it and improve it. We’re moving on. We have a tough game on Sunday and then another game, for the Cup, which we are looking forward to. That is why we must not be left behind. We must correct our mistakes».

-the game with AEK and the previous meetings with Aris: “AEK is the best team in the Greek league at the moment. They are a team in shape, playing the football we all know. It is a difficult and demanding game. We will see the availability of our players to know how we can handle this match and claim the winning points».

– what Mars should pay attention to: “We must be determined to sacrifice ourselves in this game. It is a very demanding game that requires discipline and a good tactical approach. Also, it needs a lot of running. We have to cope with AEK’s game, adapt to the needs of the game, take advantage of our moments and hit the opponent’s weak points».

– the… management of thoughts that he has to do and the separation of the games with AEK and Panaitolikos in the minds of the players: “It’s a bit difficult. We are obliged, however, to do this. Yes, the Cup is an institution in which we want to distinguish ourselves. We all want the team in the first phase to go to the final. Therefore, the second semi-final with Panaitolikos is not out of anyone’s mind. On the other hand, however, we are a big club and this requires us to see the first match in front of us, which is against AEK and in which we must present ourselves as we should».

-the management of forces based on the difficult and demanding program for Mars: “That’s just the way it is… That’s why I said we’ll see the availability of the players. We want to do our best against AEK. We have to be ready first for this match and then for the one with Panaitolikos».