«Good game and positive result»
Vladan Ivić spoke to Novasports TV about the upcoming encounter against AEK Athens. Read what the Serbian tactician said about the team’s previous matches, Sunday’s match and the national holiday of 28 October.
On what he is keeping from the encounter against Olympiacos:
«That game, and especially the way we lost, was a source of concern. But, all the same, I am satisfied with my players’ effort because they were disciplined. They have proved that they are able to face any rival without problem. They also proved that they should have won the match, but they didn’t. However that’s a different story. As I said before, I am concerned, because we all are making a huge effort since the start of the season and I hate seeing that effort go to waste like this«.
On whether the Karaiskakis match serves as a sample of what PAOK can do in the league this season:
«Our aim is to win every match, regardless of the opponent. We went there determined to win. That is what I ask of my players, that is what we are working for, that is what we prepare for«.
On the encounter against AEL Larissa for the Greek Cup:
«We had suffered two consecutive defeats and the team reacted. We gave entrance to non regular players. We played well, especially in the first half, and that is positive. Our aim was to get the three points and perform well«.
On the difficulty level of managing back-to-back matches:
«I don’t believe we have a problem. I am satisfied with everyone. We are making a big effort and we work well. Thankfully we have no injuries to worry about. There are many matches ahead. I always try to focus and come up with the optimum line-up. What I said about Mystakidis, I could also be referring to Pereyra, Charisis and any player of the roster«.
On whether he can count on Tzavellas for Sunday’s game:
«Tzavellas is on the right track and improving on a daily basis. We are monitoring his condition and we will see if we can count on him. If he doesn’t make the AEK Athens match, I believe he will be 99% ready for Thursday’s European encounter«.
On AEK Athens:
«In my opinion, this match will be even harder than the one of last Sunday. AEK Athens play a different game and they also want to recover after a negative result. I believe we are ready. We have rested several players. We spoke about the game, they know what’s at stake. We want to play well and, above all, get a positive result«.
On his thoughts about the Greek national holiday of 28 October:
«I have been here for many years. My wife is Greek and my children half Greek. I am here and I respect Greece and Greek people. I may not respect some journalists of course, but I respect the country. I feel that this is a special day. Above all I am a Serbian, but I consider Greece as my second homeland«.
