Ferreira: “We couldn’t take advantage of our chances”

Abel Ferreira praised the character of his PAOK team after salvaging a Super League draw against Panathinaikos, but Giorgos Donis was furious with the referee.

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Panathinaikos were incredibly close to a hugely important win. However, Achilleas Poungouras was penalised for a foul against Jose Angel Crespo inside the box deep into stoppage time, and Vieirinha converted the ensuing spot-kick to salvage a hard-earned point for PAOK at the Toumba Stadium. Vieirinha had previously cancelled out Ghayas Zahid’s opener.

“Football is a game of mistakes,” stated Ferreira when speaking in his press-conference. “Panathinaikos scored their second goal from a good counter. Our goal is to be first in the championship when it ends, and I can see where we need to improve. Panathinaikos played well today, whereas we couldn’t take advantage of our opportunities. We had 17 shots compared to Panathinaikos’ four.”

“No one is happy with the result, but I am satisfied with our reaction,” continued the Portuguese manager. “Vieirinha? He gives us great energy and quality.”

Panathinaikos boss Giorgos Donis, who was furious with the decision to give PAOK a penalty in stoppage time, doesn’t feel that his players are respected: “From the beginning there seems to be a gang against Panathinaikos, our players’ effort is not respected,” said an angry Donis. “I am talking about all of the nine games so far. As for this match itself, I think that we did a great job in the first half. We improved in the second half after we changed our formation.”

“This game should never have been extended for five minutes,” continued Donis. “No more than three minutes should have been added. PAOK? They are a different team this year with a new coach who has his own philosophy.”

“We never gave up,” revealed PAOK centre-back Jose Angel Crespo. “The way in which we continued fighting and managed to equalise leaves us with a nice feeling. The most important thing is that we showed that we fight until the end and protected the unbeaten run. In the second half, we showed a reaction and and pressed Panathinaikos. However, we are all human, and I made a mistake for the first goal.”

PAOK captain Vieirinha, who scored his first goals for the Dikefalos tou Vorra since returning from injury, also shared his thoughts: “Yes, Panathinaikos are going through a difficult time, but they are still Panathinaikos. They understood our system well and closed the gaps. Unfortunately we didn’t win, but fortunately we didn’t lose. We are looking ahead. We took risks and this allowed Panathinaikos to score their second goal. Can AEK fight for the title? Of course, why not. They have a very good team. They have proven in recent years what they can do. AEK are dangerous.”

By: Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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