PAOK pressed high up the pitch, got back when it mattered, found solutions at crucial points to the challenge of pressing from their Dutch opponents in the first half. And then, at the vital moments when it needed to, PAOK showed that they are a team that does not need to fear anyone. The game against Eindhoven, however, is now already in the past, and the Double-headed Eagle is called upon to refocus on the Super League Interwetten and try to continue in the same vein.

Sunday (08.11) sees PAOK travel to Apollon Smyrnis with only victory on the club’s collective mind. To get those three points, however, the first step is to make sure everyone is healthy, and so on Friday (06.11) morning all of the squad submitted their Covid-19 tests. After that, the players and coaching staff kicked off their preparations in earnest for the game at Rizoupoli.

Those players who started against PSV followed a recovery and recuperation program which included the gym, swimming pool and of course massage therapy. The rest of the group worked with the coaching team out on the practice pitches following a high-intensity program with an emphasis on passing and possession.

Dimitris Giannoulis, who limped off the pitch against Eindhoven, has a groin injury and this afternoon he will undergo and MRI scan to determine the extent of the damage.

Enea Mihaj, meanwhile, underwent surgery to repair his injured knee ligament. The operation was deemed a success and the player will now begin a rehabilitation program in order to be able to return to action stronger.

On Saturday (07.11) the Double-headed Eagle squad will train at 10:30 at the Toumba before departing for Athens in the afternoon.