“Balance and right reaction”
PAOK coach Răzvan Lucescu spoke to Novasports TV, ahead of the away encounter against Levadiakos. You can read what he said on paokfc.gr.
On the team’s European elimination and how it has affected them:
«The team are well. We lead the league race, 7 points ahead of Atromitos and 8 ahead of Olympiakos –actually our distance on the pitch is 10 and 9 points respectively. Losing to BATE Borisov was costly, because we want to win all our games. This result had no bearing in the standings, as the other tie of the group didn’t go our way. We have talked a lot about what led to our elimination. We missed out earlier, not because of our last two games. We did very well during the summer, but once we started playing every three days, we couldn’t deal with it, we weren’t ready. Why that happened? Let me keep that for myself. We –my assistants and I– totally understand the team’s condition and responsibility lies with me. Our focus now is on the league, but we wanted to advance to the next stage of the UEFA Europa League. Our trajectory in the league boosts our confidence, but we failed to respond to our European engagements».
On what is harder for a coach:
«Let me state that I don’t believe we are in a tough spell. We could make it tough depending on how we deal with it. We need to react properly, find balance and keep negativity out of the door. PAOK have a significant lead in the league and must keep it, without allowing their rivals to approach and threaten. We must refrain from mental ups and downs. We must do everything to keep our balance and let nothing affect us, in order to achieve our goals».
On the injured players:
«Both Pelkas and Vieirinha are injured and won’t be available for Monday’s match».
On the encounter against Levadiakos:
«They are a tough, organized, compact side who play the Italian way. They have a squad of young and fast attacking players, they plant a defensive game and look for counterattacking opportunities. We need to be totally focused and react well at all times, in order to prevent our rivals from capitalizing on our errors. I expect a similar game to the ones we have already played and we must be alert. I am certain that my players will react well. We have one week left until the season break. Our aim is to land good results, rest well and then return to work and prepare for the second round of fixtures».
