On Sunday’s victory:

«Let me first congratulate my players on their effort and victory. We defeated a very good side for the fourth time this season –and it’s not easy to win in their home ground. We played almost 60 minutes with 10 men, but enjoyed more ball possession and created more chances. We were rarely threatened by our rivals, with the exception of their opportunity in the 1st minute. We were in control from the start, had innumerable chances to score and I believe we won deservedly. My players gave their 100% and ought to be congratulated«.

On his players’ performance:

«We applied our tactics as we always do, but were left without our central forward. We kept ball possession. As the match unfolded in the second half, we experienced some problems. Campos complained of hamstring pains. Then Pelkas had to retire with a twisted ankle. The guys who came off the bench showed they were ready for action. As far as I can remember, our rivals didn’t pose any danger to us –that’s very positive«.

On wasted opportunities:

«When missing a chance to score, one always thinks that they might be punished by conceding goals. That is football’s unwritten rule. However we were very disciplined defensively and attacked as we should with our fullbacks, as well as Pelkas and Mystakidis, who came off the bench. That is how we achieved to win«.

On Mystakidis, Klaus and Shakhov:

«We all know what Mystakidis can do for the team. Today he played and helped us very much. Regarding Klaus, it was an error of the moment. He shouldn’t have acted in this manner and he knows it. I don’t want to provide excuses for him. Shakhov is picking up pace and helping us. He is tactically astute, can create plays and also burst in the box as covert forward. Chances can be wasted in football, but I hope that we will improve our conversion rate, hopefully soon«.

On what has changed for PAOK lately:

«In that Atromitos match, we conceded four goals – that happens seldom to us, losing 4-3 within twenty minutes. We all rallied then around the team. Our group is more united now, that is obvious. Everybody fights for their teammates and for the team. That satisfies me and the fans. We must keep on that line, that is our job. We haven’t achieved anything yet. Our position in the standings is far from satisfactory and we fight to cover lost ground and get what we deserve«.

On Pereyra:

«I am OK with the transfers made. Regarding Pereyra, I have to say that he didn’t want to stay. I can’t promise to any player that they will play 5, 10 or 20 games from now on. There is no such clause on anyone’s contract. Everyone must fight for a place in the starting line-up. It was the second time he stated his intent to leave. What was I supposed to say? Everybody must work to earn a place in the team. He wasn’t satisfied with his minutes on the pitch. My job though is to get the best possible from every player«.

On Prijović:

«We all know that Prijović’s last game was on 12 December. He is improving on a daily basis and we expect him to reach full form. That will happen soon and he will feature in our matches. It’s important for him to be well and able to help the team«.