PAOK’s 4-1 victory over UEFA Europa League finalists FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk is the result of specific instructions repeated time and time again by Igor Tudor and he should be take the credit for it.

The “Double-Headed Eagle” converted three set pieces (Lucas hit a brace from close range in minutes 31 and 51, Charisis netted a header and Costa also scored a headed goal. A brilliant strike by Μystakidis accounted for the third goal of PAOK. Dnipro had few chances to score and were able to reduce distances to 4-1 with Kalinić after a rare turnover by Ricardo Costa who was among the team’s best.

In the morning training, Tudor asked his players to be smart and think about their stage of preseason. He asked them not to pressure in the whole pitch, but rather create “traps” in certain parts of the ground. For 90 minutes, PAOK footballers followed to the letter all his instructions, especially regarding their positioning.

According to the football mentality of the Croatian tactician, PAOK should have ball control and oversee its circulation. True to Tudor’s teachings, the “Double-Headed Eagle” dictated pace and match progress.

One of the elements that Tudor insists on bringing to the team is deployment through short passes and verticality when needed –it is obvious that his message is getting through as the pattern emerged several times during the match.

The trick with Κitsios retreating as 4th defender when not in possession, while Τzavellas moves to left back simultaneously worked quite well and PAOK were rarely threatened by their opponents.

Needless to say that there is still room for improvement, especially regarding the players’ physical condition. However, the team’s display in their last friendly encounter on Dutch soil is nothing short of encouraging.

Line-ups:

PΑΟΚ: Olsen, Kitsiou (Skondras 60′), Vítor, Costa, Τzavellas, Τziolis (46′ Charisis), Kace (Μystakidis (66′), Pelkas, Mak (Κorovesis 60′), Pereyra (Martens (66′), Lucas (Salpingidis 60′)

FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk: Laštůvka (Shelikhov 31′), Matos, Cheberyachko, Douglas, Gueye, Fedetskyi, Κankava, Rotan, Bruno Gama, Seleznyov, Matheus.