Manzios: “The best thing is to qualify for the final before the start of the playoffs”

Aris on Sunday (10/03, 21:00) will be hosted in Toumba by PAOKfor their first matchday playoffs of the Stoiximan Super League.

THE Akis Manzios spoke ahead of the Thessaloniki derby and appeared understandably happy after his team qualified for the final of the Betsson Hellenic Cup. In addition, the Greek coach also referred to the goals that the yellows have in the championship, but also to the absence of the crowd in the match.

His statements in detail:

For the thoughts he and his players are having two days after Aris qualified for the Cup final: “We sure feel good! We are in a good psychological mood, we have a good atmosphere in the dressing room. It is important that the team returns to a final after many years. It’s something that passed, but we still have a long way to go until the final, so we have to get back to everyday life and prepare for the playoffs.”

On whether qualifying for the final was the best possible push ahead of the playoffs: “When there is incredible pressure for the team to go to a final and claim a Cup, what could be better before the playoffs to qualify like that? It was the best thing for us before the start of the playoffs.”

On what he discussed with his players after qualifying and ahead of the playoffs: “We talked the next day. I congratulated the children. We deserved it for the team to go to the final. We aimed for the institution of the Cup from the beginning, since the draw was made. We have to leave qualification behind, but also concentrate on the playoff games, which are continuous and difficult. We have to focus on them.”

For the team’s goal in the league from now on: “We have to be realistic. We are certainly far from fourth place to be able to claim it. However, this does not mean that we will be indifferent. Being in a big team is motivation in itself, so we can’t be indifferent in the games. We will try to do our best to improve our ranking position and to prepare psychologically for the final of the Cup”.

For the derby with PAOK: “In terms of workload, both teams had games in between. Competitively, not many things can change. PAOK has specific characteristics as a team and so do we. I don’t think there will be anything different from what the teams have shown so far. However, it is a derby and everyone understands its importance, whether it is at home or away for each team. An important role will be played by how well we prepare mentally and physically.”

While for the fact that this derby will take place without people: “This is not good… We also received this blow in January, when we gave three derbies without people. I believe that the last penalty any team should have is playing without people.”