Andrea Trinchieri did not hide his satisfaction with the roster PAOK has “built” during the media day for the new season. In fact, he praised the work done by Telis Mystakidis for providing him and his staff with everything they asked for. “It’s
August 21; it’s still very early in the season. I could tell you that since we’re at the start of the season, everything is going well and smoothly. But what really matters is that if you go a little further from the stadium, near our hotel just a few meters away, you’ll see something that’s absolutely real. It’s the training center that the team is creating and building, and that’s something that will last forever. What I can tell you with certainty is that Mr. Mystakidis has done everything we’ve asked of him. Of course, there will be wins and losses throughout the season— that’s part of the game of basketball, but what remains forever is the fact that, with everything Mr. Mystakidis has done so far, he is changing the team’s history and steering it in a more significant direction. There are expectations. I don’t have any myself. What’s most important—and what really counts—is the fans’ love, and that’s what fills us up every day; it’s our… fuel. I’ve noticed that the situation in Greek basketball has changed overall. The two Athens teams feel a little different now, because the situation is changing. My job is to get the players to believe in what we’re trying to do and to give their all in every game. If you win, you’ll be satisfied, and if you lose—having given your best—you’ll shake your opponent’s hand and say, ‘Well done.’ That’s how it is,” PAOK’s Italian coach said at the outset, before continuing:
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“There are very high expectations, and what we’ll try to do is work hard. Perhaps in December I’ll be able to give a clearer picture of what’s happening with the team and where we stand. Right now, I can say that we’re working hard and we’re enthusiastic. The important thing is to leave every day feeling satisfied with what we’ve done and what we’ve given. There are two very specific words—pain and passion—that characterize the club’s history, as well as our own efforts. We’re a team that will try to emphasize defense and whatever else we can do in other areas of the game. I’m someone who learns something new every day. You can scout a player to make a selection, but it’s a completely different story when that player actually steps onto the field. You have to observe his habits and assess everything in such a way that the best possible outcome emerges over time.”
As for whether there will be some kind of transfer… icing on the cake? “As for rumors, they’re always part of basketball and sports, and I don’t need to swear on my life that the team has everything it needs and will work with exactly that. We have exactly what we need. We have an owner who has set the tone for exactly how we should handle the situation. Obviously, at the end of the season we’ll have to see if all these players live up to everything we believe in, but what I want to say is that we built a team very intelligently and added Cedi, who was a very important addition. “Giorgos and Mr. Mystakidis told me back then that we had to be patient, and I think we made a very smart move!” he replied.
*photo source: PAOK BC / PAOK Basketball Club
