Schwab: «Strong at both ends of the pitch»
Stefan Schwab spoke to Novasports to give his insights on the upcoming Super League game against Atromitos in Peristeri. Read what the Austrian midfielder said via paokfc.gr.
On what did not go well against Larissa:
«The result was not what we wanted. When you want to be at the top of the standings you have to win these games. The positives we keep are the opportunities the team created; I think we created more than in any other game, even the ones we won. It is negative that we did not score from them, and that we did not take the lead. Another positive fact is that the team chased the goal for the draw until the end and achieved it. In the last 4-5 games we find goals in the final stages of games and this shows the team’s character, one of a team that does not give up any game at any point.»
On the match against Atromitos:
«It will be a difficult game. They are a team that made it difficult for us in the corresponding fixture. I know their coach well, he works a lot in terms of tactics. However, we are a great team, we want the victory, we are not looking for excuses, and we need to convert the chances we create into goals to win the game.»
On what the key elements are for PAOK to leave Peristeri victorious:
«We need to be smart, good defensively, focused and solid. Offensively we have to score goals, be creative, be calmer and have a composed mind in front of goal. We must be strong at both ends of the pitch and play smart in the set-pieces also, because it is this that can unlock a game.»
On whether or not the fixture-packed month of January will decide the team’s goals:
«Yes, it is a very important month for all the teams. It is crucial. It will show us where we will be at in the title race. We want to win all the games to be close to the top. There are games every three days. The team has strengthened, we have options. This is good for the coach and for us. We are prepared to get the most points we can in these games.»
On Damir Canadi, the relationship between the two of them, and the kind words that the Atromitos coach has spoken about him:
«We know each other very well. We have worked together in the past. I am excited about what he has said about me. He knows me well. He is a good coach, smart, with good tactics and he builds good teams. I talked to him during the pre-season after the match against Atromitos. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s game, because there is another Austrian player at Atromitos, Salomon. We will see who will prevail, I believe it will be us, but I really appreciate what he has said about me.»
