«We stay focused»
José Ángel Crespo spoke to Novasports TV, two days before the clash against Panathinaikos in Leoforos for matchday 29 of Super League Souroti. Read on paokfc.gr what the Spanish defender had to say:
On his form and on the verdict announced this past week:
«We feel well. We want to be strong, win on the pitch and keep our focus in order to finish our season victoriously. We want to leave all off-pitch issues aside. We want to give everything for PAOK and their fans».
On how they can control their emotions after all that happened:
«It’s very difficult. We worked all season towards a specific objective and then everything was over within two weeks, for issues not related to football. Everything happened off the pitch. We are working well and we want to remain focused until the end».
On his feelings:
«I came to PAOK to help them write history. This situation is not easy to deal with, it’s strange. It was a tough season and everything got decided off the pitch. This is motivation enough to come here every day and give it 100% in trainings. We must win our remaining games. We must make our fans happy in the end of the season».
On the encounter against Xanthi:
«Too much happened after the match against Olympiacos. Many say that the whole situation made us stronger, but it’s so hard keeping a clear head and showing strength of character. It was exhausting to lead the standings and then, because of court verdicts, find ourselves trailing. It’s tough to start strongly into an encounter when the stands are empty. However our team managed to overcome all that and defeat Xanthi. That is the way to go until the end».
On the Greek Cup final:
«It’s a final. We will do our best to defeat a good, tough team. We want that title, it’s important for our history. We play on their turf –and that is a disadvantage-, but we will make it. We want to leave the pitch holding the Greek Cup, in order to get something out of this complicated season. We want both victories in the Super League and then we will focus on the final».
On the encounter against Panathinaikos:
«They are going through a troubled season, but have improved considerably in recent encounters, they are compact. But there is nothing to fear. I believe we will go on the pitch and get what we want. We must bring out our true potential and win the three points».
On what will decide the game:
«Everything is important. We have a technically skilled team. We need to combine that with the proper mentality and make the difference».
