On the Christmas break:

”I believe that the break came at the right time, because the players had accumulated fatigue, most of them having played in 90% of the matches since summer. Yes, we had some good results lately, but we were tired and that week of rest was most welcome. From now on, we continue working for our upcoming engagements”.

On whether he got to rest:

”Being coach of a team like PAOK, one can’t afford but just a few days of rest. The coaching staff is working non-stop”.

On the changes within the coaching staff:

”I wish to thank Giannis Thomaidis who has been with me from day one. I had already informed him that our cooperation could be over, as I was looking for the assistant I managed to bring now. I knew him from way back, but the opportunity to bring him hadn’t presented itself. Regarding our physical condition trainer, I want to thank him for our collaboration. When I took over, you had asked me about the problems with the numerous strains. I remember my answer to you. I told you that we know what the problem is and that we will solve it. I believe we achieved that through our new staff. There is no problem in that area and good work will continue”.

On the transfer window:

”We may acquire some players in January, but not many. Everybody knows that we signed quite a few footballers in the summer, and they need time to adjust to PAOK’s environment. I believe we have achieved that. We don’t need many players now, just to take care of 2-3 positions. When the right time comes, you will learn the names of the players we are interested in. As for some players who were on loan and are now training on their own, like Chatziisaias and Kaçe, they may come back. There is also the possibility that some of the players who have been with us these past six months might be shipped on loan . In my opinion, those who are not going to enjoy many minutes with us in the next months, should be given on loan and play more regularly”.

On Thiam:

”We acquired him on the last day of the summer transfer window. There is a possibility that he might leave our team”.