On how easy it is for the team to leave their Greek Cup triumph behind and focus on the play-offs:

«It’s easier to handle the play-offs after the final, because the players’ morale has been boosted. They are excited and ready to fight for top place«.

On the “key” to the play-offs:

«We all know –especially me and the players who were with us last season- how the play-off procedure goes. Six derbies, six very tough encounters. All four teams have the same objective. We know it will be anything but easy, but we believe in our potential and in our work so far«.

On the difference to last year’s play-offs:

«When called to play every 3-4 days, the first encounters become very important. We have an advantage in the standings –it’s not huge, but it’s an advantage nevertheless. It makes for a distance that one can build on until the end. I am sure that all ties will be very interesting, as all teams have good players of high quality«.

On the opening match against AEK Athens:

«I have often repeated that AEK Athens are a good team. Especially in the second part of the season they played well and deserve to be high in the standings. On Sunday, we are up for a very different game compared to the intense Greek Cup final where football was of low quality. In such matches, it’s all about the result, not the game quality. Although there is much at stake for both sides, I believe that Sunday’s encounter will be more attractive. Hopefully the best team will prevail«.