«As attack-minded as possible»
Alexandros Paschalakis spoke to Novasports TV ahead of Sunday’s encounter against Xanthi in Toumba Stadium for matchday 28 of Super League Souroti. Here is what the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” goalkeeper said:
On PAOK’s anniversary:
«It’s a special day for us and the fans. PAOK celebrate 92 years of existence and we all want to help the club progress year by year, help the team reach the highest levels. It’s very satisfying to be a part of such a club. I want to leave my mark on this team. I wish that the team will continue improving and achieve more feats. This club feeds on trophies and it is our responsibility to take the team as far as possible. Our goal is to win the league and the Greek Cup«.
On the Greek Cup:
«My team-mates and I take it one game at a time. Reaching the final was our responsibility and now we aim for the trophy. Our top aspiration though is to win the league«.
On AEK Athens being their rival in the Greek Cup final:
«I wanted AEK Athens as our rival, because we are the two best teams in Greece. We want to prove that we are in better shape than them, that we are a better team. Regarding the venue, the situation isn’t exactly 50-50, but let’s not dwell on that. I believe the final should be held on neutral ground, but it’s not our place to decide. We are players and focus on the ball. Our aim is to perform at 100% of our potential«.
On the match against Xanthi:
«The first-round encounter against Xanthi signaled my first start for PAOK in the league. It was significant for me. That is when our winning streak started, when we became title contenders. Xanthi have a very good team and we need to be absolutely focused in order to win«.
On Matos’s absence:
«He has helped us immensely, gives it 100% in every encounter, is a consummate professional and will be missed. But we have alternatives and we will get help by whoever gets picked by our coach«.
On the fans’ absence and the factors that will decide the game:
«It’s awful to play behind closed doors, we don’t like it at all and we really need our fans. We have played many matches in front of empty stands. We need to overcome this situation, not focus on it. We must be as attack-minded as possible and not concede goals, in order to win the game in the most comfortable way«.
