Carrera: “The fact we’re playing at home will help us”

The two respective head coaches, Massimo Carrera and Giorgos Donis, shared their expectations with the media ahead of the Super League battle between AEK and Panathinaikos.

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In the first half of the Super League regular season, Panathinaikos launched a dramatic comeback against AEK, recovering from two goals down to eventually win 3-2. However, since Massimo Carrera has moved into the AEK hot-seat, the Enosis have made a notable improvement at the back. At the moment, AEK occupy third place of the Super League with 41 points, while Panathinaikos are just four points behind in fourth.

Massimo Carrera, the AEK manager, shared his expectations:

Greek Cup match against Panetolikos: “In the first half, I believe that we played well, but we lost concentration in the second. As a result, I am not satisfied. I always want us to play at 100% in all games.”

Opportunities for young players: “All of our young guys are a part of the team, so when they are ready, they’re given a chance on the pitch. I want them to be prepared both physically and psychologically. It’s key that our academy works well, this allows AEK to move forward in the right direction.”

Impressions of Sergio Araujo: “Before he signed for us, I didn’t know anything about him. Of course, he now needs time to build up mutual understanding with the other players, but I think that he will help us.”

Situation concerning Nelson Oliveira: “You need to speak to the team doctors. He will play when the doctors say he can.”

Derby with Panathinaikos: “It’s a derby, it will be a tough game, Panathinaikos are in great form, but the fact that we’re playing at home will help us.”

Panathinaikos boss, Giorgos Donis, noted the threat posed by the AEK forward line:

Chances of advancing past PAOK in the Greek Cup: “From our side, we will do everything possible to qualify for the next phase of the competition, but everyone has to be realistic. When a team as good as PAOK has a two-goal advantage, it’s very difficult for them to be knocked out. We need to score three or four goals, and PAOK didn’t even concede four in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers. They are certainly the favourites in the tie. No one is silly enough to make any bold statements here.”

Fatigue given the tough schedule: “Some of our players are continuing to compete at a high level, whereas other aren’t. We lost our minds during the concluding 20 minutes against PAOK in Thessaloniki, our guys were nervous.”

The use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology: “I am in favour of using it.”

Threat posed by AEK: “They have dangerous players such as Marko Livaja, Sergio Araujo, Petros Mantalos and Daniele Verde, and their midfield is strong. Both of these two teams haven’t conceded a lot of goals recently. Derbies are always unpredictable.”

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