«We deserved to win»
Here is what Igor Tudor said in the press conference following PAOK’s 3-0 victory in Veria for matchday 3 of the Super League.
His initial statement:
«This victory was important for us, after two winless games. We were very good in the first half and mediocre in the second. Congratulations are in order for my players, we deserved to win«.
On his forwards:
«When pondering the starting line-up, one should be very clear about the player expected to score, because it’s a game of goals. It’s important to have players with a talent to score«.
On the things he liked and disliked in the Veria game:
«I didn’t like us relinquishing control after the interval. In my view, at Giannina we were better but lost. That doesn’t mean of course that today’s victory was not a deserved one. These are my post-game thoughts. In the second half, with a 3-0 scoreline in favour and three midfielders on the pitch, we should have controlled proceedings but failed to do so. From day one, I have been asking my players to mix it up: possession game and vertical football. All requirements were there today«.
On Pelkas not getting called to Greece national team:
«Interesting question. Watching Greece’s last two games, I couldn’t help but wonder why Pelkas wasn’t there«.
On Berbatov’s level of form:
«One cannot say for certain when he will reach 100%. He can’t go through a proper preseason right now. We will get him in form through the encounters«.
On Olsen:
«He played very well today and that is important both for us and for him. I consider him one of our weapons. He is a good goalkeeper and we believe in his potential«.
On the team of Veria:
«I like several of their players, mainly on the attacking front. Our friendly against them was a totally different affair. It won’t be easy for any team to come out victorious from here«.
On ruling out Malezas:
«I will repeat what I told my players yesterday in the dressing room. We have 22-23 players. Unfortunately there is room for just 11 players in the starting line-up and for some on the bench. There is no tougher job for me than to decide to rule out a player who is working hard. Things however change quickly in football and everyone should be ready to snatch their opportunity. In our last training game between regulars and subs, I saw fierce competition. We need them all raring to go. A team can well do with 15-16 regulars and the rest who will wait for their chance to shine«.
