From July, when the squad first gathered, until November 6, which is a period of three months, an amount of time which is very likely to cause inertia, and possibly wear and tear. Hence the coaching team tackled the extra-long pre-season with a schedule of training and friendly matches based on the start date of the league on 11.09 as was originally announced. Therefore, the training sessions covered a seven-week cycle (starting on 26.07), and upon its completion the team entered competitive cycles through friendly matches.

PAOK B have already played 11 friendly games and has scheduled two more, next up on Saturday 22.10 against Iraklis Larissa and one next week against Makedonikos, which will theoretically be the last one before the start of the league season. The first match was in August during the early preparation in Volakas playing against Doxa Volakas (6-0) and Pandaramaikos (3-0), and then the team continued in Thessaloniki against Kampaniakos (8-0), went to Panserraikos (1-1), welcomed Veria (5-1), then Panserraikos (2-2) and Makedonikos (1-1). This was followed by the away friendly in Kastoria (0-2), the home defeat by Almopos Aridaias (1-2), the 1-1 in Pierikos and the 2-1 victory in Niki Volos.

Obviously after around three months there is some wear and tear, when you consider that 13 friendly games equals one league round. However, because in teh face of every problem, teh club are obliged to see the positive side as well, it is worth noting that PAOK B’s squad for the 2022-23 season is rich in quantity and quality, so through the long preparation it was possible to use the time effectively for all involved.