Murg: «We need to get back to winning ways»
Thomas Murg gave his thoughts and insights about the upcoming Super League Interwetten Matchday 11 clash against Asteras Tripolis to the Novasports cameras. Read the Austrian midfielder’s comments here on paokfc.gr.
On the game against Omonia and the exit from Europe:
«We’re very disappointed because we really wanted the win in that match so we could have the chance to play for a place in the knockout stages in the final group game one week later against Granada, something which we now don’t have because of the defeat. The truth is that we were not as alert as we should have been during the first 20 minutes of the match. After conceding a goal we were then much better than Omonia but not much changed apart from getting back on level terms. We were united, we pressed higher up the pitch, and we had chances, but we didn’t take them. Also, we made a mistake and gave away a penalty, which our opponents capitalized on and the match was lost – something which made all of us very upset. But the season doesn’t end here. We have a league game which we want to win, and we have to be fully prepared.»
On the poor start in the match in Cyprus:
«I don’t think it was down to having the wrong mentality. Omonia started well, we fought hard responded. Bu when a team shuts up shop to defend its lead, it’s s even more difficult to find an immediate response. Nevertheless, we found the goal we wanted and equalized before the end of the first half. In the second half we controlled the match, created many opportunities by coming further forward, but we did not score another goal, and as I said from a mistake, the opponent got a penalty, scored and we lost the game. Of course, all of this cost us, and made us bitterly disappointed, but I repeat that we have another match ahead of us, something that offers a perfect opportunity for us to return to winning ways.»
On his first few months with the club:
«I would describe them as good. Of course we’re coming off the back of a defeat, something that deprived us of the possibility of reaching the Round of 32 phase of the Europa League, something that we really wanted. However, this is now a thing of the past. Still, I consider myself lucky to be here. Everyone has given me a warm welcome and I’d like to repeat that I’m lucky to be here. We still have a lot of games and that’s football.»
On whether he has found a role in the team:
«Yes, of course it takes a while for one to learn the way the team plays but I have been here for two months now and I am constantly trying to improve.»
On the game with Asteras Tripolis:
«I think that every match here in Greece is the same. Every team gives … 400% against us, which means that we have to show absolute concentration right from start to finish, and if we do that tomorrow then we will have done the most important step to win.».