PAOK struggled in the first half, but improved significantly in the second and won 3-0 against Volos in Toumba, remaining alone at the top of the Stoiximan Super League!
After the end of the match and during the press conference, Mr Rasvan Lucescu he expressed his satisfaction with how his team presented itself, in a difficult game that followed after Europe, while he praised both Tsiftsis-Pavlenkas and Giakoumakis, whom he called MVP.
What the PAOK coach said in detail:
On whether these games are ones he dreads after big wins: “The most important thing is that we won and important 3-0. Without risking anything, keeping it zero. I was thinking a lot after Thursday’s game about today’s match. Today I was thinking about it a lot, how we will play, what will be the level of intensity. In the first half we had no problem, we defended well but we were too slow to move the ball. We didn’t have that intensity that we wanted, the quick movement, to intercept balls, which would have given us something good in the opposing area. It was like waiting for victory to come to us. We entered the second half completely differently. We understood how we should react, how our intensity should be. Pushing ourselves to the point where we had to. Finally we had a good second half which was completely different from the first. We managed to create chances and score. They are not easy days and games after Europe, but that will be experienced by all the teams who played in Europe on Thursday. The most important thing is to win”.
On the busy schedule and whether he was satisfied with the players who played: “I can say that it was very good for us and effective for them. They gave a freshness to the team and tried their best. It’s not the easiest for them. It’s not just the games that are games, it’s also their difficulty. Telta, Olympiacos, AEK, Lille and today. Games we couldn’t use more people to understand our philosophy and our… chemistry. They are new players, they have to understand the chemistry of the rest, find the…mechanisms in defense and attack. It’s not easy. We have to fight and have the best possible mentality in every game”.
For the team’s momentum, if the Tsiftsi-Pavlenka headache is “hiding” something: “I was boiling today… that’s why I didn’t wear the cap. We play with faith and… luck, fate, so we try to do similar things. That’s why it’s early for the… cap. Top appearance of Tsiftsi. It’s not a problem for me. They are both top notch. Mental energy and concentration is very important and they both have it. I believe both of them, there are many games so I will choose according to the needs of the match. A good team starts with two good goalkeepers”.
On what he said to Ozdoev after the goal and what Meite has and plays… non-stop: “This is not the first time we have discussed the characteristics of Meite. In addition to everything else, he is a central midfielder with a great ability to “steal” balls from the opponent. Even if he doesn’t… steal the ball, he will delay the attack to give his teammates space and time to defend. In the area of ​​the center we are in good condition. I really like how Bianco played in Lille, Ozdoev was “fresh” that’s why he played today. Meite has top quality, gives us… security and I chose to play with them. I wanted to change Bianco, but the forced changes changed our… plans. I would like to see the Meite-Bianco duo again. Ozdoev and I said at that moment to stay focused and let him pass it on to the others. Even at 3-0 we had to stay in that concentration point. We had three games in six days, with travel, we need all the players. I would ideally like to have all footballers at the top level, but I always know that there are footballers who are not always at the top. We have a group of… workers, they care about every game. Only goal the next game”.
About Giorgos Giakoumakis and his performance: “This is the game I want to see. I am very happy with his performance today. I think it’s not unfair but like… reward for him he was the top today. For the fights, he never gives up, over fighting to the point of crashing into his teammates. The goal is important, which is not an easy execution. Even in the third goal he fights. I am satisfied by all. A special mention to Taylor, who didn’t start the game well, but in the second half he was top notch too. The 2-0 starts from his feet. This is the way everyone should help the team”.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
