«The team will change»
Read Igor Tudor’s comments in his press conference after the Greek Cup encounter against Panionios in Nea Smyrni. What he said about the game, the performance of some players and the Berbatov issue.
On the encounter:
«My players displayed character. We didn’t create many chances to score, but it’s a good result ahead of the second leg. We knew the match would unfold like this. It would be too much to ask for attractive football on such a pitch, but it was important to be serious today. Our rivals crossed twice and scored a goal. From now on, the team will change as several players will return to action from injuries and will help us in terms of physical condition and energy«.
On the return of Costa and the performance of Korovesis:
«I was very pleasantly surprised by Korovesis, I am very satisfied with him and what I see during games. We know who Costa is and what he can do. Today he relied on his experience in order to perform, as it is difficult to come back after such a lengthy absence and such an injury and get in synch with the team«.
On the pressure due to the defeat by AEK and the dismissal of Berbatov:
«Nothing more and nothing less that usual«.
On the performance of Skondras after he criticized him in public:
«We have a different perception of criticism. What I say is part of football, good or bad is about football and performance. He was good today and I am satisfied with his display«.
On Berbatov’s interview on Facebook and his overall presence at PAOK:
«I realize that PAOK fans are interested in what happens with Berbatov, as he is a great player with a glorious past. My stance on the matter is different. I have 20 players in my orders. I see 20 players in the dressing rooms, so my assistants and I analyzed each decision 30 times before we take it. There is no coach in the world who will do something to harm himself and the team. I understand that fans have a different opinion and that’s normal. But regarding this issue, outsiders can’t be objective, because they don’t know what happens in the dressing rooms and during trainings. There is no team in the world where the starting line-up is decided according to the players’ fees. I don’t know and I don’t care how much each player earns. I pick as starters those who I consider best for each match«.
