Facundo Pereyra has been starring in this beginning of the season for PAOK. Despite this being his first attempt in European football after crossing the Atlantic ocean, the Argentinian has no need for adjustment period.

He has already scored two goals, is always smacked into the action and helps PAOK’s creative game considerably. Pereyra conceded an interview to Nova TV before the encounter against Dinamo Minsk. Here is what he had to say:

“I am perfectly aware of what I must do –and that is work harder. I am very happy to have helped my team so far and hopefully I will continue doing so in the future and my teammates will keep on supporting me. I feel great, as we have started well”.

– It’s your first time in Europe, but you needed no time to adjust, compared to so many players when they first cross the Atlantic Ocean. How do you explain that?

“It’s mainly due to my teammates. I cannot explain it in psychological terms, but I feel great. Despite facing the language barrier as I only speak Spanish, my teammates had no problem with it and accepted me from the first day. I feel as if I’ve been here for a long time. We work a lot and we occasionally have fun as well. I feel very well here and hopefully I will continue feeling so”.

– Do you feel that you have shown us everything you can do or there will be more?

“To be honest, I feel I still lack in rhythm. That will be dealt with as the season progresses and I get more training sessions and matches under my belt. As long as the team wins and I net a goal, I feel I am buying time to adjust further and reach the desired form. As I said previously, results will come through work”.

– You stated the language barrier as one of the problems you faced. Have there been any other issues since joining PAOK?

“There are two different sectors that affect me. First, our team issues and, second, my personal issues outside football. As a team, we are still in a place where we are trying to assimilate certain things and haven’t yet gotten to the desired level. I hope we will soon get there and eliminate problems. Regarding my personal issues, I don’t think that me speaking just Spanish is a huge problem. PAOK are a big club and they help me in whatever I might need. However I am making an effort to learn the Greek language and make my life easier on that front”.

– You have been here at Thessaloniki for just a few weeks. However, from what you have experienced so far, do you feel you made the correct decision in joining PAOK?

“Undoubtedly. It was the best possible choice. I feel great here. I feel like at home with the help of the club, of my teammates, of my family. Everything is going like clockwork. Our job is on the pitch and everything depends on it. However, before joining PAOK, I gathered all necessary information and I was convinced even before coming to Thessaloniki that this is the best move for my career”.

– After getting to know the team and having played five matches for PAOK, what is your opinion about the team’s potential?

“Our aim is to become better from match to match. That is possible only through work –results follow. We have started well, but could have done better in our opening league match that would have enabled us to boast a perfect start now. However we need hard work and sacrifice. We aim for the top, as we are a big club and should content for less. Thursday’s match is important and it’s good that we defeated Niki Volos and we are confident now. Hopefully we will start our group stage campaign on the right foot with three points in the bag”.

– What does PAOK need to do in order to get the three points against Dinamo Minsk?
“We haven’t been drawn in an easy group. We need to work hard. Our aim is to make it past the group stage. All three rivals are complicated. We must be careful and start with a victory on Thursday, to make our fans happy. It’s important not to lose points in Toumba and record at least one away victory to secure our qualification”.

– Do you agree that European competitions provide an extra motivation for the players to showcase their potential?

“Of course. Both the Europa League and the Champions League motivate the players. Of course, we shouldn’t neglect the domestic league. I hope we can perform well on both fronts, because it’s going to be tough. With our feet firmly on the ground and our minds focused on the job at hand, we need to work hard and keep those two aims clear and separated in our head”.