Efthymis Koulouris, whose effort brought PAOK’s goal, said:

“It was a tough, high-paced game against a strong, well-organized team. We created opportunities, but didn’t get more out of the match. It was a fine display, we collected valuable experience. We look ahead now.

“We were already eliminated after the 0-3 defeat in Toumba. It was tough to turn this tie around and qualify. We thank our fans for being here and supporting us as they always do! We thank them for coming to Gelsenkirchen despite the 0-3 defeat in the first leg. We played well, weplayed to win, like we always do, we played for our fans and our history. We conceded with practically the first chance they created. We are tough to beat away from home and we need to be like that in Toumba as well”.

Dimitris Pelkas sang the praises of PAOK fans, who stood by the team despite the first-leg heavy defeat:

“It was a tough game against a very strong side. We ran a lot, we fought, we made a considerable effort. Congratulations to our fans, they were just fantastic today. Congratulations to all the guys. I believe that we didn’t deserve the first-leg result. Had we avoided that defeat in Toumba, it would have been a totally different game tonight.

We look ahead now, focusing on Sunday’s league game. It’s always tough to change tactics, but our coach is very specific about what he asks of us. No matter what system we apply, nothing will come out of it if we don’t run on the pitch, if we don’t fight. We exit the European competition with our heads held high”.

José Ángel Crespo declared himself satisfied with the team’s performance and now looks ahead to the game against AEP Iraklis:

“We played better today, but the Toumba result was just too heavy. Today we played for ourselves and our fans. We fought, we are satisfied with our effort, but sad for getting eliminated. We proved we can look mighty opponents in the eye. We deserved to win, we had nothing to lose. Perhaps we felt more stressed in the first leg. It was the first big game for some players.

I reacted like this in the end, because I wanted us to win, I always want to win. We need to leave this game behind us and focus on Iraklis now”.

After enjoying his first start for PAOK in a European encounter, Αchilleas Pouggouras said:

“It was a very tough match. I was happy to get my first start. Schalke are very strong and made it hard for us. This result leaves a bitter feeling, because we could have won. We are upset for not getting something more out of it.

Huntelaar was very tough to handle. The way he moves on the pitch, his positioning, his experience made him the toughest rival I have ever faced.

I saw the ball coming, I moved and had that attempt on goal in the final stretch of the encounter. I suffered two cramps when I cleared the ball off the line. It had been some time since I last played and that made it hard for me. At that moment though, I got lucky.

I believe the coach counts on me, especially after giving me an opportunity tonight”.