Manzios: “It’s not usual to be at the top, but we deserve it”

Akis Manzios characterizes Aris’ stay at the top of the standings as fair in his statements ahead of the match against Panaitolikos.

The Yellows coach admitted that this is not a common occurrence, but pointed out that based on his players’ performances so far this season, it is something his side deserve.

“It is a particularly difficult and demanding game for us. We have to adapt to the needs of the game and claim victory”were his words about tomorrow’s match between the two teams.

The statements of Akis Manziou in detail:

On whether first place in the standings causes stress:

“First place has not changed anything in how we deal with the situation. We finished the previous game victoriously and we are getting ready for the next one… It’s something we like, but it doesn’t change the way we work, nor the way we think. We always look to the next game, which is the most important.”

On whether he finds more pressure on the team due to standings:



“The truth is that it is not usual as a team to be at the top. It is, however, something we deserve, based on our image these ten matches and our overall performance so far. I will say again that nothing changes for us. We continue to work and always look to the next game, to be able to present ourselves properly and claim it.”

On whether he is satisfied with Aris’ level of competition:



“The truth is that we are satisfied with where we are. We are satisfied with the general functioning of the team, with the football we have played in these ten matches. Of course, there is always room for improvement and there are always moments that are not the best, but in football nobody is perfect.”

For the goals scored by Suleimanov and Monchus against Levadeiakos:



“It is important that many footballers find the net apart from the main ones for this job, i.e. the center forward or the holding midfielder. This is also good for the players themselves. It is important that they score goals, that we can have polyphony in scoring.”

For Panaitolikos:



“They are a team that improved a lot in the course of the championship and got very important results. Panaitolikos is to be congratulated for the progress he has made so far. It is a particularly difficult and demanding game for us. We have to adapt to the needs of the game and claim the victory.”

For the match plans ahead of Panaitolikos:



“We have to take advantage of our opponent’s weaknesses. Beyond that, we must not allow them to play the game they have learned as a team to play. In particular, let’s not let them hit in transition.”

For the absences in view of Panaitolikos:



“This fact clearly makes the situation difficult. We want to have all the players healthy, so that we have more options and plan each game accordingly, depending on the opponent. To be able to choose the players who will compete, based on their special characteristics. And the absences, however, are part of the program. All the guys who are available will give their best in this next game.”