AEK are simply the next opposition in what is a demanding program for the Double-headed Eagle. Regardless of whether we are talking about it as a derby, which attracts – very logically – more interest than other matches. PAOK is currently «building» the team’s psychology and self-confidence as it improves as a team, and so the only concern is substance, which is the way the players will get what they want on the pitch.

After the victories in Tripoli and Agrinio, the Razvan Lucescu’s team showed that they have the mettle to win even when things are difficult. This is something that the players need to prove again on Sunday (26.09), given the degree of difficulty of the game. The Romanian coach will have to wait until the last minute in order to find out if he will have Andre Vieirinha at his disposal. The Portuguese participated in part of the training on Friday (24.09). On the contrary, he is definitely without El Kaddouri, Crespo, and Ingason, who all continued to follow their special individual training programs.

On Friday (24.09) PAOK worked on tactics. The session focused on build-up play from the defensive zone, ball movement in general in all areas of the pitch, as well as managing some common scenarios that they expect to face during the match in the Toumba. Additionally, there was a special part devoted to static phases.

The final training session before the derby will take place on Saturday (25.09) at 10:30 at the Nea Mesimvria training center.