Lucescu expecting tense match, Ouzounidis shrugs off fatigue factor
Lucescu expecting tense match, Ouzounidis shrugs off fatigue factor
With the two Dikefaloi clubs meeting in a crucial Super League battle in Thessaloniki, PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu couldn’t resist speaking about last season’s controversy, while Marinos Ouzounidis is confident of winningagoa.
In the 2017/2018 Super League campaign, PAOK were handed a decisive 0:3 defeat to AEK at the Toumba Stadium after owner Ivan Savvidis made a pitch invasion with a firearm at his disposal, prompting condemnation from around the world. In his press-conference ahead of the match against AEK at home, Razvan Lucescu mentioned that he believes PAOK are the reigning Greek champions and is expecting a tense battle:
Squad management ahead of playing AEK: “We are continuing to train as normal, this isn’t the first time when we’ve had to play every couple of days. The duel against AEK is a top level match for Greek football and we have to be ready psychologically.”
How previous derbies against AEK will shape this match: “We won the previous Super League on the pitch, but people stole it from us. PAOK are the champions and this will always remain the case in our lives. We were disappointed because we won but weren’t allowed to savour the triumph. Unfortunately, these things can’t be changed. This is only the fourth game of the season, but the result could still play a factor as to who wins the championship.”
Expectations for the match: “I don’t want to say that AEK are a defensive team, but they have good organisation and play in a compact manner. When they lose possession, AEK work hard to get it back. AEK have strong players and this will be a really tense match. These two teams are very different.”
Readiness of PAOK: “Why aren’t we ready? This is our job and we train every day at 100%.”
AEK boss Marinos Ouzounidis brushed off the fatigue factor and believes his players are capable of achieving a positive result in Thessaloniki:
Reaction to losing in Amsterdam: “When you have so many matches in a short space of time, you don’t have time to dwell on what happened. There are things to learn and we will improve. In Amsterdam, we were competitive for the opening 45 minutes, but then we fell away. We need to start playing at a higher tempo and this match against PAOK will help us. Both teams are coming off the back of difficult games.”
Team selection for the match against PAOK: “A coach shouldn’t reveal all of his decisions. Marko Livaja will definitely play.”
Derby with PAOK and rivalry with Razvan Lucescu: “He has his own way of thinking. I wasn’t working with AEK last season so I can’t judge him. PAOK play in a completely different style than Ajax, and while we have respect for them, we know that we can win. PAOK are trying to move into first place of the championship.”
Tiredness after the UEFA Champions League: “Yes, fatigue is a factor which plays its role, but the psychological part is even more important. On a positive note, we’re pleased to have three players back in the squad after their suspensions in Europe.”
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: sport-fm.gr
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