On the encounter:

«We lacked fresh feet, we made changes and introduced players who were more rested. We made a big effort, had chances to score, but didn’t take them. We didn’t create as many opportunities as in previous encounters, but PAOK came close to victory«.

On what went wrong:

«In the first half, we weren’t bad. After the interval we faced several problems. This is not the PAOK I want, they were not running, creating and fighting. We made an effort but it wasn’t enough. We did score however a perfectly legal goal. In our last game, we were not awarded a penalty. We are just asking for 50-50. Such mistakes, when the referee is just two metres away, are huge mistakes. If the players were on the same line, I would understand the assistant’s error, it would be human. But when the striker is two metres behind, before the eyes of the assistant, then I don’t know what is happening«.

On Veria:

«Veria were good defensively and they are aiming for counterattacking football. They have a strong striker who can hold on to the ball. In some parts of the second half they were dominating. That is normal. When we are constantly in attack and have our rivals defending, at some point they will create the break«.

On the toll these lost points will take on the team:

«We have two victories and two draws in our first four games. We will be left behind for sure. We dropped two points, just like in the previous game. We can remedy some things only through work, especially in the attacking part and the last 20 metres. The players are making an effort, creating chances, trying. If we lacked opportunities, I would say that we have other problems. But now we need to improve our attacking function«.

On the reason of the various changes in his formation:

«We had already played two games in the week and all players made a huge effort. They are all working and trying. I believe I need to keep on rotating. We can’t field the same players for three consecutive games in a week. We have the roster to support it and their number of appearances depends on them. I see them working during practice and I believe in their eagerness to be in the starting line-up«.

On fielding Crespo ahead of Matos and leaving Cañas out of the game:

«Matos complained of pains after Thursday’s match. It would be a huge risk to field him today. Cañas had already played three consecutive matches. He was the last to join preseason training and we need to be careful with him, to give him a rest from time to time«.