Ozdoev: “PAOK’s goal is the Champions League – The city was on fire after the championship”

An interview with Russian media was granted by Magomed Ozdoev.

His central midfielder PAOK referred to winning the championship, stressing that Thessaloniki was ablaze with celebrations. At the same time, he focused on life in the city, but also on the goal of qualifying for the Champions League.

In detail, what Magomed Ozdoev mentioned:

On the fact that it was his first championship outside of Russia and how he felt about the title he won with PAOK:

“This is my first such experience, it is exciting. It was a tough championship with many emotions. It’s a nice feeling to be first. Finally everything ended as we wanted. If we compare it to the league titles with Zenit, the gold in Greece reminded me of my first league title with the St. Petersburg club».

On the lack of competition in Russia and Zenit and PAOK winning the title after five years:

“It is always easier psychologically and morally to win the titles earlier. When everything is hanging by a thread, it’s hard. Yes, the emotions are higher than when I won the championship with Zenit 5-6 matches before the end, we lived this championship to the end here at PAOK».

For the goals that existed in PAOK:

“The highest goals, as it happens in every top club like PAOK. At the same time, it must be understood that in Greece plus or minus four teams that claim the championship. But both the club and myself, we set only the maximum goals. Wherever I play, I want to win. It’s been like that for me ever since I was a kid, although I won my first title with Zenit when I was only 27. Although before that there were chances of him winning the trophy with Lokomotiv».

About how winning the title was celebrated in Thessaloniki and how he experienced it:

“In Thessaloniki, the city was on fire! It was a big event for the people, we were incredibly happy. We celebrated the victory until 8 in the morning, no one slept. Immediately after the match we went to our stadium and the arena was completely filled. Then we went around Thessaloniki by bus, celebrated with the fans until 5 in the morning and then sat with the kids for a while».

For PAOK fans:

“The city lives on football, all the kids in the team know it and live it every day. It is clear that when something goes wrong, the results are not the same, the fans can get fired up, but this is a normal situation».

As for whether he is learning Greek:

“I know a few phrases and words, but I haven’t studied with a teacher. I plan to do so in the future».

On who is PAOK’s most important opponent:

“Among the top teams is Olympiakos, among the remaining teams is Aris».

On the weather in Greece and how difficult it is for him to play in high temperatures:

“Like when I played in Turkey, the weather is just as hot in Greece. It’s hard for me, I’m still not used to it. I never liked playing under the hot sun, even in Russia. I remember playing Zenit away to Krasnodar once and I got sunstroke. I had to be substituted at half time.

After the 30th minute I didn’t even remember where I was or what was going on. I prefer to play in the rain or when it’s cool. Ideal conditions for football».

About life in Thessaloniki and the comparison with Moscow and Saint Petersburg and whether he prefers to live in big cities:

“Yes, although they all have their pros and cons. It’s nice in Thessaloniki: good weather, everything is close, there are Russian restaurants and shops. But I haven’t explored the city much yet, I haven’t had time. We have lots of games, flights and transportation».

What are his plans for the future and how long does he have a contract with PAOK:

“I have an agreement with PAOK until the summer of 2025, which can be extended for another season. I am satisfied with the position in the team, we are champions. The goal is to play in the Champions League. I can’t guess how everything will turn out later, everything can happen in life. But so far I like it here, in Greece and in PAOK».