Panathinaikos eager to end visitors’ unbeaten run, PAOK ready for tricky game
When speaking to the media, Panathinaikos midfielder Christos Donis revealed that he wants to end PAOK’s unbeaten run in the Super League, while opposing head coach Razvan Lucescu praised the young Greens.
After enjoying an impressive first half of the 2018/2019 Super League season, a youthful Panathinaikos side has struggled since the turn of the year, most recently losing 0:2 in Nea Smyrni to Panionios last week. On the other hand, PAOK are continuing to run away with the championship, as the Dikefalos tou Vorra boast a seven-point advantage over second-placed Olympiacos. PAOK defeated Panathinaikos 2:0 at home in the first meeting between the clubs this season.
Panathinaikos midfielder Christos Donis gave his opinions on the upcoming battle at the Olympic Stadium in Athens:
Making 99 competitive appearances for Panathinaikos: “Time has passed by so quickly. This is a great feeling, and when I reach 100 matches for Panathinaikos, it will be something very special.”
Thoughts on playing PAOK in Athens: “This is a very important game, because we’re playing against the team in first position. PAOK have a good team. In order to gain momentum, we need to start winning matches again, and we want to achieve this on Sunday. So far, only Panathinaikos has won the domestic championship without losing a single game, so for me, this is an added piece of motivation to beat PAOK.”
How it feels to be one of the elder players in the dressing room: “As I grow up, I am expected to give advice to the younger players, but I never stop learning myself either. I love gaining new experiences.”
PAOK head coach Razvan Lucescu is expecting Panathinaikos’ youthful team to give his players a good match in the Greek capital:
Injury problems: “As I mentioned after the match in the Greek Cup against Panionios, Dimitris Pelkas will be on the sidelines. Leo Jaba will travel with us, and Josip Misic has also been training.”
Upcoming draw for the Greek Cup semi-finals: “We will accept the result of the draw, whatever it may be. It doesn’t matter who we will play against. We want to win the competition.”
Opinions on young Panathinaikos team: “We also have some young players in our team. The players’ age isn’t the most important thing in football. Quality, self-confidence, desire and psychology are the key factors which decide the outcome of matches. We analyse the smallest detail about any opponent. Taking into account that they have a new team, it’s natural to see that they lack stability. In order to win, we have to play the perfect match.”
Absences in midfield: “We cannot call ourselves unlucky because of these injuries. We are enjoying this fantastic season, in which we have the opportunity to claim two trophies. We have to find solutions with the players which are available to compete.”
Readiness of PAOK to play Panathinaikos: “Every game is tough, but we understand the situation and we’re prepared. Panathinaikos have a promising, young team, and it’s an historic club. I’m expecting it to be a good game. The opponents have a great coach, and so far, they’ve played good football in the Super League.”
Victory against Panionios in the Greek Cup: “We displayed that we’re focused on achieving our goals. We deserved to earn qualification in the 90 minutes. The players showed that they have an incredible will to win.”
