«The right mentality led to victory»
Everything that Răzvan Lucescu said following PAOK’s second win over Atromitos for the Greek Cup and their passage to the semi-finals.
On the most important aspects of Thursday’s game:
«It was a team job, the reward of a collective effort, with my players having the right mentality. Each player didn’t just want to qualify, they wanted to win –that is the most important thing for me. They all pushed themselves, worked hard. They made some errors, but credit should go to Atromitos’s players as well. Our substitutes also came off the bench and helped a lot with the right spirit«.
On Azevedo and Moulin getting time on the pitch:
«Both are quality players. Azevedo has been with us for more time, while Moulin joined us only last week. I wanted to give him a taste of the team atmosphere. I want all newcomers to understand the philosophy of PAOK first. Azevedo’s physical condition is improving, but it’s very important for us to maintain our balance«.
On whether he is still pondering upon Vieirinha’s position after the expiration of the winter transfer window:
«There is no dilemma or pondering. We are very happy today with our qualification. Tomorrow we will start preparing our next encounter, having a very good balance«.
On the goals scored by Shakhov and Cañas:
«Both goals are very important, in my opinion. I want our defensive midfielders to become the extra men in attack. Their overall performance today was very important. We shouldn’t consider that we have 11 starters, but rather 18 men fit for the starting line-up. We need them lucid and ready to give their best. We are leaving some players out in order to recuperate, so that they can give it all in their following game«.
On the team’s outlook after the first goal:
«Having won 2-0 in the first leg and leading 1-0 in the second brought an expected relaxation in our game. Scoring twice after Atromitos’s equalization was very important. Reacting and winning was a good sign«.
On whether he considers AEK as his team’s main opponent for the domestic double:
«My only concern is Monday’s encounter. I don’t think about the rest of the pack, I only think of us«.
On his preference regarding PAOK’s rival in the Greek Cup semis:
«Semi-finals are always very unique encounters. We must attend to every detail and be entirely focused in order to get the best. We will have league matches in between Greek Cup legs to negotiate, therefore we must take it one game at a time«.
