On the series of successive matches for PAOK:

«It’s part of the process, we would not have had the midweek European game if we had not made it to the Conference League groups, so we are happy about it. We want to have these European games, so that we can have a good run. For footballers, because everyone has the opportunity to play, it’s part of our job.»

On whether he is focusing on the competitive or the intellectual aspects:

«The truth is that it is a difficult situation, we have the opportunity after the games to work with the players who did not get enough time to participate and to work on many issues of organization and tactics. From there we have the players who play in the matches as a priority. The goal is to have a complete recovery both mentally and physically. It is essentially a mix in terms of the ways we use to prepare the game, and we are very committed to that.»

On how he approaches the games:

«I think we are not a team that tends to adapt to the style of play of the opposition. It is normal, on the other hand, to know in detail how the opposition play. We try to apply a certain way of playing and we know that sometimes it may not work the way we want, but from there onwards it is always in our plan to react and find a different plan to win the games.»

On Vieirinha and his fitness status:

«Unfortunately he will not be in our plans for this match. He is still suffering from a sprained ankle. We tried it out yesterday, but he will not be available. He will make the effort for the next game and I hope he will be with us in the game with Slovan.»

On the derby with AEK:

«As an opposing coach I can not express my opinion publicly about the opposing team. I can tell you that after having a series of consecutive games, you get to a point where you just think that it’s another game in that row of matches. It’ s definitely a game that brings different emotions, but in the end you end up thinking it’s just a game in the series of games you have to follow.

The importance of the game is the same as the match in Gibraltar, it was a game we had to win because we did not want to lose points in the start of our European campaign. The game with Tripoli was important, as was the match with Panetolikos, so the next game is just as important for the three points.

After analyzing the importance of the game, if you listen to people and in general the vibes of the city, there are some good emotions for this game. What we have to do is to manage these emotions properly, because in terms of motivation we do not need to talk about it as it is a necessary given when talking about such games.»

On the effectiveness of PAOK in away matches:

«It is important to win away games, just as it is important to win home matches. The Toumba is something unique for us. As a coach I had 30 games here in which I won 29 and lost one match, that with PAS Giannina. I hope it was the last defeat and to continue to win at home and away; this will be the ideal situation for us.»