«Play a very good game»
Igor Tudor spoke to Novasports TV about the upcoming encounter against Panathinaikos. Here is what the Croatian coach said regarding Sunday’s match and PAOK’s situation lately.
On how he is assessing the situation in the team:
«I could joke about it and tell you that things got complicated for us from the first league match, but it’s no time to joke. There is a positive attitude in the locker rooms, as always. We are focused on our work and that’s the most important after all. We go out on the pitch and do our best. I am satisfied with what I see lately in trainings and I remain positive. We are sure that we can play a very good game in Athens against a very strong side«.
On whether there are other problems to face besides injuries:
«I don’t think I need to talk in public about these problems. Of course I am aware of them. I have been living together with PAOK players for nine months now and I know everything that is happening, good or bad. But there is no use in talking here about problems and solutions. What matters is to keep focusing on work and play to the best of our abilities in Athens. Our fans will always judge us and there will always be conversation on what is good or not. That’s the beauty of football. If people say that I should pick one player over another, they are right, because there is no actual proof that they might be wrong. That player could be better or worse. That’s what I like about our sport. Everyone judges, everyone suggests solutions, there are no arguments to the contrary, everything is up in the air«.
On whether having just one striker available is his biggest concern ahead of Panathinaikos:
«Injuries have been a major problem for PAOK since the beginning of the season. Mak is a winger, we turned him into a striker. We haven’t scored much in our latest games. But we must find solutions and stop complaining about it. We will see who the best 11 are for this match and we will find a way to become more dangerous upfront«.
On Panathinaikos:
«Everybody knows who Panathinaikos are, their strong points and weaknesses. They have an Italian coach who has worked in Serie A. They will be well prepared for us, but we focus on our quality and I expect a good game«.
On whether Panathinaikos are deservedly ranked third in the league:
«It is very tough to judge what is fair in football – sometimes you don’t get what you deserve on the pitch. And sometimes that is also reflected on your position in the standings. You might get more or less. Winning in the Greek league is difficult, because all theoretically weaker teams have experienced players and are well organized in defence. They have quality footballers who can score and decide a game. It’s difficult to defeat every team, unless you are like Olympiacos, with players of a different level«.
On Zeca’s absence:
«I like Zeca, not only for his quality, but for his personality as well. He is a very important player for Panathinaikos, he is their leader because he provides them with attacking spirit. It’s good for us that he won’t be playing on Sunday. But Panathinaikos have other good players too – no team depend on just one player. Perhaps Barcelona…»
On Stramaccioni:
«He coached Inter and then Udinese and I also know much about him from my friends in Italy. He prepares games very thoroughly and fields a 4-3-3 formation. I don’t like coming up against Italian coaches, as I consider them the best in the world«.
