Lucescu: “I don’t want to talk about transfers” – What he said about Tissundali, Michaelidis, Soretire

PAOK prevailed 2-0 of Panaitolikos and doubled his victories in the first two “rounds” of the championship.

At the press conference, Mr Razvan Lucescu he spoke of a very important victory and referred to the performances of his players.

The Romanian coach answered the question if the team is playing the way he wants and said among other things: “In the last games we showed a better competitive attitude. Compared to the previous ones and especially after Malmö. There were times when we got what we wanted. In the match against Panserraikos we wanted the victory and we achieved it. Then came Shamrock. In this match, we played differently in the second half and managed to score. It is something very important, because the goals gave the team confidence».

As for Tisundali, he emphasized: “He can play as a classic striker, but also behind the central striker. In this period of time, I prefer him to play further forward. It is a challenge for him to show his potential. The same goes for Chalov. The striker must show his potential. I had a conversation with Tisundali, I explained to him that it is not easy to start as a starter. I told him all the conditions that prevail during a match and until he adapts to the team. He obviously wanted more time.

When a player has this quality, he has to fight for every ball, play from game to game and improve. I would have preferred to have him in prep to learn a lot more. It makes sense for him to learn the moves on the field, what he wants from his teammates. I saw him a little down and spoke to him. There are details that make the difference. He is a player who will be with us for a long time. The same goes for Soretire. With the score at 2-0, we put him in the game. We wanted him to learn about us and us about him. I would also like him in preparation».

On the role of Kamaras in the phase of the first goal, playing as an eight, as he did at Olympiakos and on whether PAOK needs such a player in the midfield with more enhanced characteristics: “Some players respond more easily, faster, some others more slowly. This is Kamara’s style that we like. He was fighting in a different style of teams, they were going to the transitions. Each player adapts differently to some teams. He has intensity in his game. As for the defensive midfielder, you know the situation, you may have better information at the moment».

On whether he is worried about the fact that the team has to get players in certain positions in view of the Europa League: “This is your assessment of Europe. The second game must be played and we qualify. We have our own philosophy. We go from game to game as you know very well. We are currently playing this way. This is the last time I will talk about transfers at this time.

I’m a coach, I try to do my best. In the center we have Thymiani. You know my opinion on a defensive midfielder with certain characteristics. Ekong left, Koulierakis was also announced. The gaps should logically be filled. But you should ask those who deal with these matters».

As for Michaelidis, he said: “Everyone is necessary. And Michaelidis, of course. Play again. Last year he had competed in the last match that won the championship. In this match, we had seven changes compared to the previous game. For Michaelidis I will say that he was unlucky when he suffered a serious injury. We know his ability and quality. We trust him, he is here to help us».