Paphos defeated Karmiotissa 3-0 at “Stelios Kyriakides” Stadium, getting off to a strong start in the Cyprus League by Stoiximan.
The home team’s coach, Alexis Garpozis
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
On the other hand, the visiting team’s coach, Nuno Morais, was particularly pleased with his team’s performance. In his remarks, he highlighted the fatigue from European commitments and player absences, while emphasizing that the “Blues” are now focusing exclusively on their next game against Omonia.
Highlights from the remarks
Karmiotissa (Alexis Garpozis): “Congratulations to Paphos on the victory, as well as on qualifying for Europe. We knew we were up against a well-prepared team with a full roster and tremendous depth. With the players we were missing, we were forced to field a makeshift starting lineup, to which we made changes right up until the last minute. We came here to play our brand of soccer, and I believe we had the best chances in the first half. However, we undid everything we’d built up in just two minutes, conceding a goal at the end of the first half and another right at the start of the second. We fought hard and created chances, but despite that, Paphos’s victory was deserved. I’m proud of the way we played, and starting tomorrow we’ll begin preparing for the next game, with the goal of securing a victory against Omonia 29M.”
On his players’ mindset: “What stands out to me is that my players are in the locker room with their heads down, having lost to one of the best teams in Cyprus. This shows their attitude and just how much they wanted to get something out of the game.”
On the issue of the home stadium and Tsireio: “As far as the home stadium is concerned, the fact that we’re not playing at Tsireio isn’t Karmiotissa’s fault. It’s someone else’s problem. Karmiotissa took all the necessary steps to play at Tsireio, and until ten days ago, we didn’t know where we’d be playing. That’s the problem. We’re a team without fans. The only ones who follow us are our families, who stand by us and support us.”
Coming up: statements from the Karmiotissa coach
Paphos (Nuno Morais): “We had a very demanding game on Thursday in Europe, and just 48 hours later we came back to play again. That’s why I’m very proud of my team. We had a lot of players out, but even with all that—against a team that could have caused us problems—we put in a solid and composed performance. I congratulate the players, and on behalf of the entire coaching staff, we’re proud to be part of this team and to work with these players.”
Regarding the upcoming matches following our European commitments: “The truth is, we know that these matches, coming off successes in Europe, can be pitfalls. But we approached the game the right way, worked hard on that aspect, and managed to secure today’s victory.”
On the Conference League opponents and the team’s goals: “The truth is that the European matches are still a long way off. When the time comes, we’ll think about them. Right now, our focus is solely on the next match against Omonia.”
