«We focus on our objectives, going game by game»
Here is what Igor Tudor said in his press conference, after the final whistle of the encounter against Qäbälä FC, corresponding to matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League group stage.
On whether his side deserved to win:
«I am satisfied with the overall performance of the team. We were better and deserved to win, but that wasn’t easy on this pitch and against a fine side like Qäbälä FC. We could have won, but also could have lost considering the chances our rivals got. I don’t fuss about results. We focus on our objectives, going game by game «.
On the reason that PAOK didn’t create more chances and whether Jairo could have entered the pitch sooner:
«In the last 10-12 minutes we proved we wanted to win and not draw. Perhaps someone else in my shoes would be content with the draw. It’s not easy to play away in such a ground. We created opportunities but failed to convert them. Perhaps some of our midfielders didn’t enjoy their best day at work, but that happens. Berbatov brought a lot to our game, as did Golasa. We took a risk and wanted to win. I am satisfied with the substitutes’ performance«.
On the left flank of PAOK:
«I am satisfied with the performance of Rodrigues who also helped defensively. In general, I believe that our left flank was better than the right one tonight«.
On his level of satisfaction by the team’s display:
«I am satisfied with our level of play in our last two outings. It depends on the rival as well. Our players bring on the pitch the work they have done in trainings, they create chances. We keep the positive, learn from the negative and continue our effort to improve. We are in a desired level of fitness. We impose our game, create chances. Luck is of the essence of course to convert chances like the ones we got today. However seeing my players apply what they worked on in trainings is a source of satisfaction. Errors are part of football. I am never completely satisfied with my team. Even if we play a perfect game in the eyes of the fans, I will always focus on what we did wrong in order to improve. There were things I didn’t like today, but there is also stuff one can’t prevent. It’s a matter of quality and luck. For example, Mak could have scored tonight with his long-range strikes«.
On Stefanos Athanasiadis and Eyal Golasa:
«Klaus just returned from spending a long time on the sidelines through injury and it’s not easy to acquire the desired tempo. Regarding Golasa, let me say that everything can change in football«.
