Lucescu not focusing on fatigue, Jimenez proud of players
Ahead of the upcoming Greek Cup final, both Razvan Lucescu and Manolo Jimenez shared their expectations for the duel between PAOK and AEK at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage from AGONASport.com!
In their semi-final ties, AEK and PAOK both won the first leg 2:0 at home against Lamia and Asteras Tripolis respectively, before finishing the job on the road. This will be the third successive season where the two Dikefaloi clubs have met in the Greek Cup final. In the 2016/2017 season, PAOK defeated AEK 2:1 in a dramatic encounter in Volos, and the Thessaloniki club successfully defended their title in the 2017/2018 campaign with a 2:0 win over the Kitrinomavri at the Olympic Stadium.
Razvan Lucescu, who led PAOK to their maiden Super League title in 34 years, doesn’t think fatigue will play a role in the outcome:
Expectations for the match: “There is no doubt that it will be an intense, emotional game. Yes, this is the last match of the season, but there won’t be any fatigue. We are two very good teams. When looking at recent games, we can see that the teams are in good shape with the concentration being on earning the trophy. In a final, when there is a trophy at stake, you know that you have to give 100%.”
Elements which could prove crucial for PAOK: “Statistics are for journalists. Everyone will try their best tomorrow. In this case, statistics are worth nothing. We are here to win. It will be a hard match, but we are here to win. I am confident in my players and our will. I want the players to make another important step in both the history of PAOK and Greek football.”
The addition of VAR technology: “The philosophy of the game stays the same. However, with VAR in use, maybe the players will be more confident in the decisions made by the referee.”
Factor of empty OAKA and possibility of joint press-conference between coaches: “Each coach should have the opportunity to freely say what he feels. The fan situation? I am a coach. I have already said that football should be played with fans. I’m sorry that the supporters aren’t a part of game, but on the other hand, I need to be fully focused on the match itself. I’m not the person to make those decisions. If it was up to be, the fans would be able to attend the OAKA on Saturday.”
Desire to be the deciding component of the game: “But what if you have two teams with more or less the exact same desire to win? The match will be won by the club which does the small things better, has confidence and plays without making mistakes, has the psychological advantage. These aspects are key. We have a huge will to win. We want to bring this trophy home.”
Pressure on beating AEK again: “Pressure is always there, no matter if we won the title and the previous two finals against AEK. Tomorrow, it is a completely different game. We have to be perfect and this is the pressure we have.”
Problem of playing without Vieirinha and Mauricio: “I don’t like to talk about these situations. The players currently available have more responsibility on the pitch as a result of these injuries. Everyone is ready and full of motivation to play in this match.”
AEK boss, Manolo Jimenez, wants his players to give their all on Saturday night against the Super League winners:
How PAOK have changed since the last two finals: “I am focused on my own team. I’m not interesting in debating how strong the opponents are. All I can say is that they have a good team which won the Super League and reached the Greek Cup final. We have to give our best and let football be the judge. I am proud of my players.”
Hunger for revenge after losing last two Greek Cup finals against PAOK: “In the first final, we didn’t manage to get the win, but we deserved to lose in the second. Each match is different, every season is different.”
The situation concerning AEK since his return: “I am convinced that we can win if my players give 100% on the pitch. A game depends on work ethic, not just quality. The psychological aspect also plays a large role.”
