The “double-header” derby at OPAP Arena ended without a winner, with AEK and him PAOK to stay at 1-1 for the 8th matchday of the Stoiximan Super League.
After the match was over, there was great tension on the playing field of New Philadelphia, with Razvan Lucescu to argue with the CEO of “Enos”, Giorgos Kosmas, but also with other people of the home team.
In fact, the Romanian coach of the champions Greecedidn’t talk to Cosmote TV, with his direct partner, Pantelis Konstantinidis, being the one who spoke in the flash interview.
PAOK’s coach regularly attended the press conference, where he spoke about the details that decided the derby, but also about the tension caused in the finale of the match at the OPAP Arena, stressing about once again his opinion that in 2018 the championship was stolen by the Thessalonians.
What Razvan Lucescu said in detail:
Regarding whether PAOK was well prepared mentally: “The matches against AEK are always much stronger when we refer to a strong team with a quality roster and here in Athens, in a strong venue. We came here to get a good result and play our game. Mainly, we didn’t want AEK to have the right to take advantage of the good team it has. AEK didn’t have the big chances, we were well prepared and I think the draw was the fair result”.
On whether this draw, which allows the team to stay at the top, will also help them psychologically ahead of Thursday’s game: “Every match for me is important. We prioritized the match against AEK, now we will look at the next one. And immediately after the Championship match. Every match is different, in every match you have to show your personality and today we did it against AEK”.
On whether we can see Kenziora right back with Lovren-Koley as a central duo in other matches: “No one knows, but I will note that every match is special, just as the situations during a match are special. Baba couldn’t continue, I had the choice to either put Sastre on the right or put Kohli in the match and Otto on the left.
Kohli like other guys were away with their National teams and only came back few days ago. So what you are asking me may be a solution for future matches as well, but the opponent and the situations also play a role. I mainly relied on the guys who were here throughout the preparation and worked every day on the strategy for the game against AEK.”
On Brandon Thomas’ return to action after two months out: “I am very happy that he is back from his injury. I have told you that all the players will be needed because the season is long. But Brandon also in this short time that he played in the match showed the elements that distinguish him. He ran a lot, he helped and I expect him to step up and give us the things we got from him even before his injury.”
On whether he had to answer the AEK fans during the match: “What do you want me to answer you?” I am passionate about my work, I like to fight for my players and my team. This is who I am whether you accept it or not. I know that the people of AEK…love me. We were robbed of a championship in 2018 and I won’t forget that. It will continue to exist as many times as the two teams play. I have no other comment to make.”
Source: Sport Fm
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