On how the change of schedule affects the team:

«I don’t believe it affects our focus, as we have set a clear set of objectives for the play-offs and every player knows what they must do. I don’t believe we will deviate from that«.

On how he made good use of last week:

«We didn’t know that we would have this break in between games. We were ready to play every three days and be done in three weeks. Everything has changed now, but we will keep fighting until the last match«.

On whether the play-off procedure has been affected by the Greek Cup final and Panionios’ victory over AEK Athens:

«Every team focus on their own schedule and upcoming fixtures. We also look at one game at a time. We depend on ourselves in the next four games. I believe we will rise to the occasion and give our best in order to achieve something good«.

On the draw at Leoforos:

«I have no major reason for concern regarding our two games in the play-offs. I am satisfied with my players’ display, but it’s already in the past. There is another game upfront, more difficult and crucial. My players know that and we have prepared for it«.

On the Panionios game:

«There are no secrets between us and Panionios. We know them and they know us. There might be some changes in tactical details and formation. We will be determined to win the match. It’s the only team we haven’t been able to claim a point of, since the day I took over. I am not fussing too much over it though… Each game presents a new challenge«.

On his opinion about Panionios:

«It remains unchanged. Panionios are a disciplined side. They have their own way of defending and attacking, with quick players upfront. Their presence in the play-offs is not a fluke. They have had a great season, led by a good and experienced coach. They deserve to play in European competitions next season«.

On Sabo and Berbatov:

«Sabo hasn’t played at all since I took over. He is now with his national team preparing for the Euro finals and we reached an agreement with his federation, that he will come to Thessaloniki if needed. He will be training and playing friendly games with Slovakia. Had he not joined them, he would have been ruled out by his national coach. That would be a shame, because a player doesn’t get every day the opportunity to participate in the Euro. Since we didn’t count on him as a regular, we saw no point of standing in his way. I don’t foresee a problem. Regarding Berbatov, he participated in a testimonial match, so there was no risk of injury. He got a leave of absence from the club of course, he is fine, he will join us for the upcoming games.«.