On the encounter:

«We tried to work well all week long, my players were focused and we are on the right path. I am very proud of my players. Someone told me that perhaps our rivals caught us off guard with their pressing in the initial stages. We were expecting it actually and had worked well on that. The negative surprise was seeing our rivals win all duels in the first 20-25 minutes. But eventually we applied what we worked on«.

On the fact that the “Double-Headed Eagle” scored twice in a span of few minutes:

«We must admit that even today we suffered on the creation front, we weren’t comfortable there. It was tough, but we are on the right track and need to work hard and fight for victory over Asteras Tripolis«.

On modifying his tactics:

«We need to adjust in all situations. I believe that those who played today gave it their best on the pitch«.

On whether he would pick the same eleven players if he had the luxury of alternatives:

«I don’t pick my line-ups thinking of the players’ age or their country of origin. I pick the best eleven at any given moment. I need to find the best possible system and motivated my players«.

On the tough moments of this past week and the future:
«Players are really worried and concerned with all that pressure. I told them that we must work hard and give it all on the pitch. Let me tell you something. I can accept any criticism on my players’s performance, but I can’t justify criticism on our results. My players’s job is to give it all. I have no complaints and I will continue supporting my players until the last day, as long as they keep giving it all on the pitch. Pressure based on results doesn’t help the team and we need to find a way to leave it aside«.

On Frank Arnesen’s departure and on the celebration of goals by his players:

«My first comment is that I collaborated very well with Frank Arnesen. I don’t want to get into club politics, because I must admit I haven’t seen that much politics these months. There is talk about who should play and what system we should apply. Talk isn’t based on the most important thing, what happens on the pitch. You get to say anything after a match. You will always be right and the coach will be wrong. We can always demand more of ourselves. We have to be realistic though. We sure want our results to fit the club’s caliber, but there is always a reason why things happen. If we analyze the situation thoroughly, we will improve. Hypothetical conversation conducted after the fact doesn’t help. We have a good chemistry with the players from day one and we have proved that on numerous occasions. We really have a good relationship and we must confirm it with a solid game against Asteras. At PAOK, every match is a challenge and we have to prove stuff every Sunday«.