{"id":197051,"date":"2015-06-09T17:25:10","date_gmt":"2015-06-09T14:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paokfc.gr\/uncategorized-en\/20150609-mia-metavatiki-xronia-eftase-sto-telos-tis-2\/"},"modified":"2015-06-11T10:57:24","modified_gmt":"2015-06-11T07:57:24","slug":"20150609-mia-metavatiki-xronia-eftase-sto-telos-tis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paokfc.gr\/en\/news\/20150609-mia-metavatiki-xronia-eftase-sto-telos-tis\/","title":{"rendered":"Season Review \u2013 The transition of PAOK U20s"},"content":{"rendered":"

As stated by Vladan Ivi\u0107 during the season, \u201cwe could have held on our last season\u2019s roster and won the league again. But that would be of no use for the club or the guys\u201d. PAOK Youth and Development sections function with the objective of the players\u2019 evolution, not the titles.<\/p>\n

Radical restructuring with many new faces<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"inblog1\"Team photo of the team ahead of the league opening day<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

PAOK administration and the U20 technical staff decided to promote players that had completed their spell at U20s and had to take the next step in their careers. Polyzos, Qose and Papadopoulos were given on loan, while Savvidis, Pozoglou, Koulouris, Deligiannidis and Pougouras were promoted to the senior side. Their void was covered by U17 players and a few transfers. As a result, the new team consisted of players who were not ready yet, physically and technically, to follow on their predecessors\u2019 footsteps.<\/p>\n

Participation in the renowned \u201cLev Yashin\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"inblog1\"Preseason started on 7 July for the U20s<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hard work began in the middle of the summer. After the completion of phase one of preseason training, U20s travelled to Moscow to participate in the \u201cLev Yashin\u201d tournament. In just 15 days of preparation, they acquired cohesion and consistency and held their own against rivals older by two-three years. They were treated to cruel defeats against PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Dynamo Moscow, conceding goals in the dying minutes of the encounters. Overall however it was a positive effort and they returned to Thessaloniki armed with valuable experience.<\/p>\n

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U20 P\u0391\u039f\u039a – U21 PFC CSKA MoscowThe goals of the encounter<\/a><\/p>\n<\/section>\n
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Ups and downs in the beginning of the season<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"inblog1\" Vladan Ivi\u0107 undertook the task of creating a new team with a different roster<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before the opening day of the league, PAOK U20s played five strong friendly games and kept working in high-intensity training sessions. The technical staff wanted to create a fast team with good physical condition and bring together all pieces of the puzzle, old ones and newcomers.<\/p>\n

In the first matchdays, PAOK had many ups and downs. They were competing without Pozoglou<\/strong>, Koulouris<\/strong>, Deligiannidis<\/strong> and \u039a.Savvidis<\/strong>, who trained and competed with the seniors. They defeated Platanias away (3-0) and thrashed AEL Kalloni (5-1), but lost to Atromitos and were held to a draw by OFI at Nea Mesimvria.<\/p>\n

The continous suspensions of the league didn\u2019t allow for competitive rhythm. When the elders joined the team and gave the team a boost of quality, PAOK U20s stepped on the throttle and recorded six wins from late November until early February, setting their sights higher.<\/p>\n

Back-to-back derbies and a strong finish<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"inblog1\"The mode of the home defeat by Olympiacos had a negative effect on the team\u2019s morale<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

On 7 February, PAOK U20s faced league leaders Olympiacos in a crucial game for the final standings. Our team was deprived of luck, having the wind against us and, despite an impressive performance, defeat was unavoidable and dreams of reaching the top were shattered. Draws in the away encounters against Atromitos and Veria kept Olympiacos away from second place as well.
\nPAOK began their fight back at Nea Mesimvria. They embarked on a series of good performances and victories \u2013some of them impressive, others professional- allowing the \u201cDouble-Headed Eagle\u201d to bounce back and go after third place. However consistency was of the essence \u2013 and Ivi\u0107\u2019s troops were found wanting.<\/p>\n

Home defeat to PAS Giannina delivered a huge mental blow to the players. The technical staff, in cooperation with the club administration, spoke to the youngsters and boosted their morale.<\/p>\n

After a tough battle and two entertaining encounters against Panionios, PAOK collected four points and managed a third-place finish. A tough season ended in smiles and optimism, having provided the players with high-level experience.<\/p>\n

The best in numbers<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Several players stood out in PAOK U20s\u2019 run this season and are expected to knock on the seniors\u2019 door shortly. Goalkeeper and team captain Rafail-Savvas Soilemezoglou was the one with more minutes played, a total of 2.277. The young keeper worked a lot throughout the season, managed a string of impressive performances, proved a keen spot-kick stopper and took part in numerous training sessions of the senior side. Patralis, Toumanidis and Kushta played in more games (27) than the rest.<\/p>\n

Whenever called to help, Stelios Pozoglou<\/strong> was pivotal and managed to score 10 goals and provide 6 assists in 12 encounters. He completed the season topping PAOK charts in both statistical categories.<\/p>\n

\"inblog1\"Stelios Pozoglou\u2019s<\/strong> cameo proved important for PAOK U20s<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three newcomers in the U20s, all of them born in 1997, had a stellar season. Kristian Kushta netted 9 goals and provided 4 assists, spearheading his team\u2019s attack. Nikolaos Syrakos scored six goals and served one assist, keeping the pace from his U17 spell. As for Giorgos Kakko, he completed a very successful season with 3 goals and 6 assists, earning also a call in the national team.<\/p>\n

Quote of the season<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

After PAOK U20s\u2019 4-3 victory over Asteras Tripolis in a spectacular match, Vladan Ivi\u0107 unveiled the philosophy behind the choices for the club\u2019s second team.<\/p>\n

Watch the corresponding video on PAOK TV
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