On the most important element of the game that brought PAOK’s victory:

«It was a victory of personality, of mental balance. We knew we shouldn’t make any errors. Had we been awarded the goal in the first half, our self-confidence would be boosted further and everything would be different. But it’s an important 3-0 victory in this ground against this team«.

On PAOK’s performance on Sunday:

«It’s obvious that all the lads made a big effort. Akpom had a fantastic match today. He needed it to boost his self-confidence for upcoming games. Let me also point out the fine performance of the subs, El Kaddouri, Limnios and Toșca. That is important for a team fighting for the league –to have motivated players who can get on the pitch at all times and help the ones already in«.

Whether he considers tonight’s victory a huge step towards the title:

«Half of Greece were expecting PAOK to lose here. That goes to show you how strong our team has become. All this time, we were thinking about the Tripolis match, focusing on it, considering it a ‘final’. Asteras were on a five-match winning streak, they have good players and function well. Kicking off the second round here with a victory is a major confidence booster. This game is over now, we got three points and we have another game to prepare for. It’s just three points«.

On losing Prijović and Wernbloom and the changes within the team:

«We need to find our balance. Our administration know what to do and I trust in them. We were also deprived of Cañas today due to an injury. But the players present here performed very well. Asteras created opportunities with set pieces and when we lost second balls. We are an attack-minded team always seeking possession. It’s only natural to take risks when attacking. That is why we have these players –to control all situations. We need a balanced group, we need all our players and hopefully there won’t be any more injuries«.

On whether he will give a… present to Paschalakis:

«Paschalakis is part of the group. If that is how it goes, I will hand out presents to everyone. To Vieirinha, to Maurício, to Biseswar, to Akpom, to Matos, to everyone… Everyone must do their job. Paschalakis’s job is not to concede goals«.

Does he know the forward who will sign for PAOK:

«I don’t know and I won’t comment on it…»