On the right path
PAOK prevailed 3-0 over FC Nordsjælland in their second friendly game of preseason and made a good impression against a readier team whose league engagements kick off next week.
Abel Ferreira was clear right from the start. In his first hours as new head coach of PAOK, he said that he respects what the “Double-Headed Eagle” achieved in recent years, he will keep some of the team’s principles, but he aims to convey his football philosophy to PAOK.
These ideas were evident to those who watched PAOK take on FC Nordsjælland in a friendly encounter on Dutch soil, a match broadcast by PAOK TV.
PAOK meant business, were consistent in defence and enjoyed some impressive attacking spells that allowed him to score three times and clinch their first –albeit unofficial- victory of the season.
After the initial stage of the game, the Danish side pushed upfront and came close to an opener twice. But PAOK reacted well and took control of proceedings. Chuba Akpom gave the “Double-Headed Eagle” the lead after 7 minutes of play, following a fine move by Pedro Henrique.
The Brazilian was lively throughout the evening and created many problems to the rival side from the west flank, but his final pass was a bit underwhelming. At the other end of the pitch, PAOK didn’t allow FC Nordsjælland to create noteworthy opportunities, mainly thanks to Alexandros Paschalakis who was up to the task whenever needed.
The scoreline remained unchanged until the interval, but the mood at the PAOK camp was dampened by the injury of Panagiotis Deligiannidis who had to leave the pitch. For the second half, Ferreira shuffled his deck, substituting everyone with the exception of Léo Matos who had replaced Deligiannidis in the first half.
Despite the numerous changes, PAOK played well and remained compact. Antonis Gaitanidis made it 2-0 in the 65th minute with a beautiful lob, while Léo Jabá collected Omar El Kaddouri’s magical pass to net the third goal in the 72nd minute.
The new coach of the “Double-Headed Eagle” saw his players apply what they are taught, drew useful conclusions and continues working in order to prep PAOK for their official games.
PAOK line-up:
Paschalakis (46′ Μelissas), Deligiannidis (28′ Matos), Crespo (46′ Varela), Mihaj (46′ Ingason, 75′ Chatziisaias), Kaçe (46′ Douglas), Mišić (46′ El Kaddouri), Henrique (46′ Jabá), Limnios (46′ Stoch), Akpom (46′ Gaitanidis, 82′ Lamprou), Biseswar (46′ Pelkas , 82′ Świderski).
