«It’s a disgrace»
Răzvan Lucescu spoke to Novasports TV about everything and everyone. All that happened this last month, how he feels about it, how his players feel, the rest of the season and his future. Read about it on paokfc.gr:
On the team’s situation:
«What happened, the verdicts that came out regarding our team, it’s a huge disgrace. So is seeing the other two clubs collaborate in order to hurt PAOK. That’s not football. At first they created a circus for a roll of paper, in order to abandon a game we wanted to play. A few days later, after a circus created by AEK players who contested the referee’s decision, a legitimate goal in a league-deciding encounter was disallowed with the application of a different regulation, not included in FIFA rules. AEK players disputed for 5 minutes with the referees. They annihilated us for a roll of paper and a legitimate goal. But we keep focusing on our job and we will do the best. We want to prove that we are the best«.
On how many points PAOK have:
«I really don’t know, after everything that has happened. I know that we gained 55 points on the pitch«.
On his sentiments:
«Anger, rage and indignation against the… Athens people«.
On the upcoming encounters:
«Normally it wouldn’t be tough. We enjoyed our game so far. We wanted to win the league title on the pitch, but I guess that wasn’t considered fair by Athens people. It’s the first time that it happens in football. Perhaps that would be possible in World War II. We are strong though and we want to play the remaining games and provide our answers on the playing ground. We will not be destroyed«.
On whether he will follow the court saga:
«I don’t know what will happen. I don’t want to know, I don’t care. I am only interested in football. Hopefully this is the last time I am having this conversation. I repeat, what happened is a disgrace. I said my piece. I am sick and tired of talking about it. We wanted to play on equal terms. We were not allowed to. We continue«.
On how the situation can change:
«It’s not my place to say. These things are far from my area of expertise and I cannot add anything«.
On his players’ condition and Saturday’s game:
«Varela and Moulin will be sidelined. Shakhov trained well and will be available for action. We worked well these weeks and we are facing a compact team, well organized, who thrive on attacking transition. I want to congratulate their coach. They have displayed a fine mentality, consistency, knew what they want on the pitch. Atromitos had a fine season overall. I expect a very good game between two teams of different style but with fine performances so far in the league«.
On the players loaned by PAOK to Atromitos:
«It’s still early to talk about it. There are five more games left in the league and two matches in the Greek Cup. We focus on them«.
On the extension of his contract:
«There is a season left on my contract. I haven’t extended it. I want to keep working here after its expiration. I don’t want to say anything more. We are doing a fantastic job and we have an excellent group. I am very happy here. I want to remain at the club and they want to keep me too. We had a good season, with good mentality. We are strong, we have excellent fans and we continue«.
