PAOK ready for Spartak, Russians aiming to withstand heat

Ahead of tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg in Thessaloniki, PAOK feel they’re ready to take on Spartak Moscow, while the Russians are aiming to withstanding the Greek heat.

Watch LIVE from AGONAsport PAOK's first leg matchup against Spartak Moscow in UEFA Champions League qualifying on Wednesday, August 8th. Details here.

On Wednesday, PAOK host Spartak Moscow at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, eager to make a huge step towards the playoffs with their home fans roaring them on. In the second qualifying phase, the Dikefalos tou Vorra were simply superb against an experienced Basel team, but Spartak pose a different threat and a positive result in the first leg is certainly required.

With the clock ticking down to kick-off, PAOK head coach Razvan Lucescu shared his feelings for the showdown:

About facing Spartak Moscow: “After beating Basel, it was difficult finding the balance between focusing on Spartak and enjoying the victory. We weren’t favourites with Basel in the previous round, but we showed good football and we now feel really confident. We know that we will face a strong team and this tie will be decided on small details.”

Situation with Diego Biseswar and other injuries: “Diego Biseswar isn’t ready for this match, but maybe he will be in shape for the second game. Jose Canas? He had a small niggle but he can play. Chuba Akpom needs time to adapt here, however he is prepared to play in this fixture.”

Links to Russia with Mircea Lucescu and Robert Mak: “Football is constantly changing, and my father and I speak about the current situation in the game. Robert Mak is back at Zenit Saint Petersburg? I thank him for his contribution in 2017/2018.”

Expectations and Pontus Wernbloom: “The most important thing for us is how we feel when we enter the pitch for the match, it doesn’t matter who we are playing against. Pontus Wernbloom? He wasn’t our player last season or this year. I don’t like to touch upon those topics.”
 

For his part, FC Spartak Moscow boss Massimo Carrera is wary of PAOK’s strengths and hopes his players can cope with the atmosphere in Thessaloniki:

Thoughts on playing PAOK: “There are no easy matches in the UEFA Champions League, it’s hot in Greece and the home fans will make it even hotter. Nevertheless, we will try to play our own brand of football. The second match in Moscow will decide the outcome.”

Opinions on Spartak Moscow being favourites: “Well, I don’t believe that Spartak are favourites. In the last round, PAOK showed what a fantastic team they are by beating Basel, they have experienced defenders and a solid midfielder where Jose Canas and Mauricio play. PAOK’s attackers are young and talented.”

Aim for tomorrow’s match: “We’re only thinking about winning this match. Will the referees influence the result? The fans can put pressure on the referee, but the game itself will be the most important factor.”
 

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook , follow us on   Instagram, and Twitter  for all the latest news in Greek Sports!