His initial statement:

«Every victory is important, more so when playing in numerical inferiority and against a tough opponent like Xanthi. We managed to hold on to a positive result and defeat a very good team. We didn’t produce the kind of football we are used to, but we wasted quite a few opportunities and we could have recorded a larger win. Our rivals had two chances: their goal and a header blocked by Glykos. We defended well despite being one man down. The guys gave it 100%. I know that I have a good roster. I know that non-regulars, like Kaçe and Kitsiou who came off the bench, are ready and waiting for their opportunity. That is positive for the club. All players will get to feature at some point, they will all get their chance as we have many matches ahead«.

On Cañas’s injury:

«I can’t say anything right now. He needs to have an MRI and see how his condition evolves after 24 hours. It doesn’t look trivial though«.

Regarding refereeing decisions:

«I have only talked once about the referee –you all remember when. I am not fond of that subject, but I need to say something. Referees should protect the players. I want 50-50 and not a different set of rules for each team. I am being patient, but there is no change in the current situation«.

On whether PAOK made a big step towards qualifying to the Greek Cup semi-finals:

«Xanthi are good, they have played well against theoretically stronger teams. We made a step forward, but there is still one leg left. The Toumba encounter will be a tough one«.

On fatigue after back-to-back games:

«We do everything in our power to provide rest to the players in between games. Back-to-back encounters are tiring –that was obvious today. It’s normal and expected. We have players who haven’t played yet, but they will. They are ready and waiting«.

On the chants of PAOK fans:

«It’s satisfying and encouraging, it motivates me to keep working. I know that this team can play better. We are working hard on a daily basis, this is a disciplined, close-knit group. We are making a collective effort to satisfy the fans who come to watch us play«.

On Prijović:

«I have spoken about Prijović quite a few times. He was out of action for a month. He has now gone through a preparation stage. After one month on the sidelines, a player needs time to regain his pace. He hasn’t hit full form yet, that is understandable and we are waiting«.

On Sunday’s encounter:

«It will be a different encounter and a tough one at that. As stated before, Xanthi are strong. Their position in the standings is no fluke. We are now focusing only on the league game. We will do our best for the players to rest well and recuperate ahead of the Sunday match. Everybody needs to understand that we made 9-10 signings in the summer and acquired more players in the winter transfer window. It’s not easy to build a team. We are trying to convey what we want to the players and so far it is paying out. We will keep on like that«.

On PAOK’s goal efficiency:

«Everybody is helping, Mystakidis and the rest. Since the start of the season, PAOK have been playing attacking, creative football. Our problem was not converting our chances to goals. We knew that and it cost us, as we fell behind in the standings. When a team insist on creative football, results will eventually follow. Let me point out though that today is a day of mourning for the family of PAOK and we dedicate this victory to the family of Panagiotis Katsouris«.