Alessio Lisi finds himself in an even more difficult position following PAOK’s latest defeat, this time in Crete against OFI. The 2-1 loss at Pankritio Stadium has heightened concerns within the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North,” with the coaching staff now in the spotlight and Ivan Savvidis being called upon to make important decisions.
PAOK failed once again to mount the comeback they had hoped for. Fountas capitalized on a mistake by Tsiftsis in the 38th minute to make it 1-0, Androutsos made it 2-0 on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute, while Banza’s goal in the 89th minute wasn’t enough to change the outcome. OFI thus returned to winning ways after four consecutive losses, while the Thessaloniki side fell further behind the leaders.
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This latest negative result appears to have intensified calls for a change in coaching staff. As Live Sport reports today, Ivan Savvidis is now seriously evaluating all the facts, with the goal of changing the players’ mindset as well as the overall atmosphere within the organization.
Fernando Santos’s presence in the stands at Pankritio Stadium also sparked considerable discussion. The fact that the Portuguese coach watched PAOK’s defeat up close inevitably sparked speculation about a possible return to Thessaloniki, though at this point there is nothing more than speculation.
What is certain is that PAOK is looking for a strong “wake-up call,” as the team’s performance and results have fallen short of the expectations set at the start of the season. The pressure on Lisi is mounting, and the management must decide whether to continue supporting him or to make a change on the bench.
These decisions take on even greater significance given the team’s upcoming schedule. PAOK faces a crucial Cup match against AEK, in which it needs a positive result to avoid getting into even deeper trouble in this competition.
*photo source: KYPE
