Vladan Ivić’s press conference
Here is what the head coach of PAOK said after the final whistle of the Greek Cup encounter in Trikala.
On the encounter in Trikala:
«It was our second group stage match and we earned one point. We came here to win, but couldn’t make it. We fielded players who haven’t featured much in our games this season. We faced an organized size and failed to carve out many chances. The Greek Cup is one of our objectives».
On whether the team was still affected by Monday’s incidents:
«Let me explain some things, because what I said after the Atromitos game has ignited talk that has got nothing to do with my players. I never said that someone wants to ambush the team. I don’t believe it can happen, especially at PAOK. I have been in football for so many years, I have never heard of such a thing in any country. My coaching philosophy is that every player with the PAOK shirt on should believe in victory, regardless of the opponent. I received that piece of info after the game, when I was emotionally charged. Such things can’t happen with me in charge. Whoever wears this shirt should play to win, wherever we play. That was my philosophy as a player, and now as coach. Nobody can think otherwise, player or PAOK employee».
On whether he had thought beforehand about speaking out:
«Maybe I was affected at that particular moment. When seeing the goals we conceded and hearing what I heard –because he had spoken to my closest assistant two days earlier… He didn’t speak to me. Why is that? Why is there such reaction? He signed a new contract one month and a half ago. Who suggested that? Mr Micheľ and I. I don’t know what happened. As far as I am concerned, all players are equal to me and I get to choose who plays. I said ‘some players’. Maybe I was referring to one, maybe to more. I was speaking about one player. I don’t think there are more players involved in this».
On what he said after the Atromitos match:
«I saw things that I didn’t like in the last 20 days. Why did I say all that? Because I learned some things right after the encounter against Atromitos. I decided it just then. I saw all the plays one by one. I can’t accept it when a player who was our skipper two days ago believes that we can’t defeat Fiorentina. And I was told by 3-4 persons, not just one… There are many people standing by this team. It’s unacceptable not to believe in the team’s victory, regardless of rival».
On his choice to start Tzavellas against Atromitos:
«My first choice was to field Crespo and that is what I tried. In the last minute, I decided for the most rested player for tactical reasons, as he would help us with build-up play. Both Varela and Crespo were very busy in the previous match and I decided to field that specific player against Atromitos. Nothing else happened. Had I received that piece of info earlier, he would not have played».
On whether something has changed in the dressing room:
«What I said to you, I said it also in the dressing room, in front of everyone. Everyone knows that, what I said, regards one player. There is no problem in the dressing room regarding this issue».
On the players who spoke to the President:
«I don’t know. I spoke to the president and the President. I don’t know which players came after me».
On whether he feels satisfied by his conversation with Ivan Savvidis:
«Yes, of course».
On his choice to field a different starting eleven today:
«I chose this line-up because it was our second group stage match, after winning the first one. We faced an ambitious team, but I wanted to give some players the opportunity and also rest the regulars. We negotiated two demanding encounters with practically the same line-up and they needed the rest».
On whether he is regretting what he said last Monday:
«I am not hiding. I can look everyone in the eye. I am here as me, not as others wish me to become. I am the one to answer to the president for the team. In my presence, nobody will attempt to mess with the team’s atmosphere. After learning what I did, he is finished as far as I am concerned».
On the encounter against Panathinaikos:
«We have three days ahead of us to prepare for this game. We have proved in the past that we excel in tough encounters. Both sides want to win it badly and I believe that the best side will prevail».
On Stefanos Athanasiadis:
«Stefanos Athanasiadis will be improved from now on. Perhaps he was in low form until now. I believe that he will be better from now on though. I talk to all players. I am always on their side, always trying to help them. Klaus is a player of PAOK. There is no problem with him. He is working, training, playing when fielded. He is trying to give his best for the team. That is all I have to say».
