Kostenoglou: “We must move forward with optimism and faith”

The two respective head coaches, Nikos Kostenoglou and Michael Oenning, shared their expectations ahead of the Super League match between AEK and Aris.

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Seventh-placed Aris could potentially move into third position if they beat AEK at the Olympic Stadium. However, no team finds it easy against AEK in Athens, and the Enosis will be full of motivation to compensate for their devastating derby loss to Panathinaikos on matchday 11. AEK currently occupy third spot of the Super League table with 17 points from 10 games.

AEK boss Nikos Kostenoglou is feeling positive:

Whether the international break helped following the result against Panathinaikos: “We must eliminate all negative thoughts and every negative word in relation to that game with Panathinaikos. Taking into account our performance until the 67th minute, the result was very unexpected. However, we must continue with faith, confidence and optimism. This is imperative for professional athletes who strive to win.”

The collapse against Panathinaikos: “I don’t want to go into details. Throughout the break, we have discussed what happened and we must now leave that in the past.”

Expectations for the game against Aris at home: “Aris are a great, historical club with high-quality players. Their results have improved since they employed their new head coach. It will be very difficult against them, but matches are won on the pitch and not in theory classes. Aris earned three tough points against Xanthi, while they dropped two when playing with Panionios. It is vital that we give a good performance.”

Injury issues: “Since I became the head coach, we have had several injury issues. We lost Nelson Oliveira, Petros Mantalos and Vasilis Barkas, while we have also been plagued by gastroenteritis. Niklas Hult, Konstantinos Galanopoulos and now Nenad Krsticic have all been affected by the virus. These things can happen. Will Krsticic play on Sunday? The illness has made him very tired, so probably not.”

Return of Ognjen Vranjes: “Yes, he is now with the squad again. We will decide whether he plays in the starting line-up later.”

Aris manager Michael Oenning spoke about the goalkeeping issue:

Thoughts on the game against AEK: “We are focused on our own performance. I hope that we can play well, and I know that we have great motivation for this match. The problems which we have make us even more determined to achieve a positive result.”

The goalkeeping issue: “Apostolos Tsilingiris will play. Remember that Iker Casillas debuted in a UEFA Champions League match! Tsilingiris is ready and this is his time, he’s been doing well in our training sessions. He will play against AEK.”

Problem of not having Daniel Sundgren: “We only found out this news recently, so we haven’t had time to think about the alternative options. Changing players, maybe even changing the system are options which we now have to consider. I am also disappointed that Martin Tonso won’t be able to play.”

By: Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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