«We are a family»
Here is what Nikos Korovesis said on the eve of the home encounter against Levadiakos for Super League matchday 29:
On the effect the coaching change had on him:
«It was a pleasant one, for sure. I started playing more and in my preferred position as well. I thank God that everything is going well. We continue«.
On the encounter against Panionios:
«It was a tough encounter against a very good side. I believe that we started off slow, not really grasping the importance of the encounter. Then we improved our performance, believed in ourselves and reacted. However our rivals managed to score with the first chance they got in the second half and we failed to get something out of that match. I believe it was a bad break and that we will bounce back in the two remaining matches and make it to the play-offs«.
On whether they can remedy their lack of focus:
«We need to be focus and every player needs to work on that separately. We need to realize for which club we are playing, how important this point of the season is and qualify to the play-offs. Otherwise, it will be a huge failure. I believe that we won’t repeat the mistake of not focusing«.
On whether there is added pressure:
«Of course there is, because it’s a very crucial stage and not joining the play-offs would be catastrophic. We are PAOK, we have the opportunity of winning both remaining matches and we will do just that«.
On the point deduction and how it affects them:
«Everybody thinks about it and I believe that the 5-point deduction is unfair. Incidents happened of course, but there was a reason behind them. It sure affects us, but we have to leave it behind as we are focusing on our games. I believe that the administration members will do what’s best for the club and try to recuperate some of these points«.
On his optimism:
«It’s the mood in the squad. We really are a family. All guys are great and that helps us deals with problems. I believe we will be fine in the play-offs«.
On playing behind closed doors and on Levadiakos:
«It’s the first time this season that we will play without our fans. It will be tough, but after kick-off we only think of the match, leave everything else aside and go for victory. Levadiakos are a good team, with quality players especially in attack. We will monitor their stars and try to hit them on their weak points. I believe that we will win –comfortably too«.
