Razvan Lucescu reveals why he left PAOK

In a recent interview, former PAOK manager Razvan Lucescu revealed the reasons why he unexpectedly departed PAOK last summer for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal.

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In an interview with FORZA, the Romanian technician opened up about issues that ultimately led to his unexpected departure from PAOK during last summer’s preseason. He also discussed the less-than-ideal timing of his exit, as well as touching on his relationship with the Savvidis family.

Lucescu revealed that a primary reason for his departure was due to issues with PAOK’s administration regarding the contract renewals of Yevhen Shakhov and Jose Canas, both of whom departed the club over the summer as free agents. Also, failing to keep Sergio Oliveira after his loan deal ended played a significant role in Lucescu’s decision to depart. 

With Al-Hilal’s interest and eventual offer arriving, both Lucescu and Ivan Savvidis agreed that Al-Hilal’s offer was too good to refuse, as the Saudi club paid PAOK the two million euro release clause for the Romanian’s services.

When asked about his departure from the Greek champions, Lucescu stated, “My time with PAOK was something I will never forget. I always felt happy at PAOK, but there were also difficult times. At the end of last season, I had no intention of leaving. I had one year remaining on my contract, and I wanted to honour it. After the final match of the season against AEK at the OAKA, when we won the double, Al-Hilal offered me a contract. When my agents told me, I told them that I didn’t want to leave the team, and I still had a one year contract with the club. When the season came to an end, everyone was jumping with joy and talking about the Champions League. I want to say thank you to Ivan Savvidis and also to George, but I must say that period didn’t go as I would have liked. There were plenty of conversations about player renewals, and I couldn’t find a way to convince Savvidis to renew Shakhov and Canas’ contracts. Of course, there was also the story with Sergio Oliveira, but I understand that he had a clause with Porto, and it was not up to us to keep him.”

When asked why he desperately insisted on trying to keep Shakhov and Canas at PAOK, Lucescu explained, “It would have been difficult for newcomers to understand the philosophy and tactics that the group had. Mauricio was injured and was not available for four months, with the connection between defence and the midfield being lost. When I was told that neither Shakhov nor Canas would remain at PAOK, I then decided that I could not stay at PAOK. Of course, I understand that this is football.”

When the Romanian was asked about the timing of his departure, which was in the middle of PAOK’s preseason preparations, Lucescu responded, “I left because they didn’t listen to me on the subject I analysed above. If I had not left, maybe I would have hurt PAOK even more. I don’t know if I would have had the same motivation as before.”  

Lucescu explained his relationship with the Savvidis family in his recent interview. “I had very good communication with Ivan Savvidis and George as well. From the first day I came, they protected me. Remember when I first came to PAOK? Many people in the club did not welcome me with open arms. I remember after the match with Apollon Smyrni we left with a 0:0 draw and Ivan protected me. Specifically, he organised a dinner with the whole team and took the floor saying: ‘Razvan is your coach. Anyone who does not follow or obey him will be out of the team.’ It’s great to see that the owner of a team supports you in such a clear and absolute way.” 

When asked if he still had contact with the Savvidis family, Lucescu said, “I haven’t spoken with Ivan since I left. I last spoke via messages with George Savvidis when I took over at Al Hilal.”

Speaking about a possible return to managing PAOK sometime again in the future, Lucescu said, “I really don’t know. The future cannot be predicted, and PAOK will forever be in my soul. I will love this club for the rest of my life. I experienced some fantastic times with this team. Thessaloniki, the fans, and the team made me feel at home. No one knows what I or PAOK will do in the future and what paths our lives will take.”  

Lucescu has had a successful beginning to his journey in Saudi Arabia, leading Al-Hilal to their first Asian Champions League title in 17 years. Al-Hilal currently sit atop the Saudi Professional League, six points clear with eight games remaining.

Image Source: to10.gr

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