Lucescu: “The challenges at OPAP Arena are permanent, there is enmity between me and AEK”

THE Razvan Lucescu shared for the first time his own version of events in her parking lot OPAP Arenafollowing the interview he gave in Romania, stressing that there were incidents.

He even added that the enmity between him and the AEK fans is due to what happened in the 2018 championship, speaking of constant challenges towards him.

What he said in detail:

For the events in the parking lot: “Yes… there have been incidents, there are permanent challenges there (including in the OPAP Arena), but we must have the strength to overcome all these. The rivalry between me and AEK is mainly due to the fact that, since 2018, we have been constantly pointing out that a championship was stolen from us and given to them. It is not easy for them to accept it and it is not easy for them to admit that the world has understood the fact. They react directly on a personal level, but without having arguments to refute our objections».

For PAOK’s European progress in recent years: “In recent years we have reached two quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, we are still in the battle to qualify and advance, so a European path is an opening for PAOK as well».

For the 2025 goals: “My goals for 2025 are very simple: game by game. We will play on January 5 against Panathinaikos, it is a very nice and interesting match. Then, we have the second match for the Greek Cup with AEK, and other difficult matches follow, because the Greek league is dangerous, despite the fact that it is not always spectacular.

In January we will also play against Aris, our local rival, which always has emotional ramifications. Then comes the match against Slavia Prague, a game that I consider very important. A possible win could see us qualify before the last game for the Europa League play-offs».

On whether he considers 2024 the best year of his career: “Personally, from a professional point of view, I consider 2019 and 2024 to be my best and most beautiful years. I repeat, from a professional point of view. Because I had this conversation on Sunday with my staff, at the table was also my son, Mattei, who came to the last game to see us and when he heard this statement, he reacted somewhat ironically, but with a sense of humor, saying “I thought that you would say the year I was born or Mary} and I had to clarify and explain why it is these two years».

On how easily he can leave PAOK: “A possible decision to leave there is difficult because this very strong connection was created between me and the world, between me and the team, between me and the boss. I received a lot from PAOK, but I also gave a lot. It is difficult for me to predict the future, but in football you never know what will happen».