The APOEL press officer discussed the start of preseason training, the team’s transfer plans and upcoming moves to strengthen the squad, the renewal of Mancini’s contract, season tickets, as well as developments surrounding the investment fund, APOEL press officer Nektarios Petevinos, in statements he gave to “SPOR FM 95.”
Here is what he said in detail:
On preseason training: “It essentially starts tomorrow. Today is the notice to players who do not have any form of leave. Tomorrow, the ergometric and medical tests begin, and starting next Monday, training and warm-ups will begin.”
Regarding the new signings: “These are the three players whom the management has determined can provide solutions. To be honest, last year we had some imbalances in the roster, on top of the broader context, which is why the team is moving methodically. The goal isn’t to make a lot of signings, but to make the right additions and renew contracts.”
On whether Limnios is intended to play right back: “You understand that I’m not the one authorized to answer that. The coach is the one in charge. We’ll give Vryzas and Papadopoulos the opportunity to address these questions during a presentation next week, and all concerns and questions will be answered by the appropriate people.”
Regarding Angelopoulos’s transfer: “Let me remind you that when the Cypriot presence was stronger on the team’s roster, APOEL achieved great things. That’s what we’ve been missing over the past five years. Last year, we played very few games without a Cypriot player, mainly due to injuries. We want to make this a permanent feature. Nikolas is a young player, just 22 years old, but he has a lot of experience under his belt. Many teams wanted to sign him, and we’re fortunate to have acquired him. At the same time, it’s a gamble for the player himself. We consider him an investment.”
On Mancini: “He’s a player who has demonstrated his quality and, above all, how closely he’s integrated into the overall structure of APOEL. He had stated from the beginning that he would be interested in staying with the team. The desire was mutual. Regardless of what’s been said recently, he remained steadfast in his position, kept the lines of communication open, and we managed to find a middle ground.”
Regarding Meyer: “You understand that there’s a specific approach regarding players who had contracts. Max and APOEL are in clear communication. However, since he doesn’t currently have a contract, I can’t say anything. The goal, in line with the coach’s priority, is to make two more signings.”
Regarding Meurer: “He has left.”
Regarding Dalcio: “He has a contract with APOEL. He is officially a member of the team.”
On Panagidis: “I don’t know at this time. The team’s overall plan is to make a few targeted signings. We want every player on the team this year to be a first-team player. We don’t want to have 30 players on the roster with some of them not contributing.”
Regarding season tickets: “If I tell you that last year, at the same time, on the 15th day, we had reached 3,000 season tickets, while this year, on the 15th day, we’re at 5,071, you’ll realize that’s an increase of nearly 40%. It doesn’t just leave us satisfied. You understand that every time a club reaches its 100th anniversary, everyone involved in this milestone feels honored and proud. The administration wanted to be completely consistent. It is a pillar that has been maintained and will continue to exist—and I am, of course, referring to the announcement that included the breakdown of debt repayment. It is proof of just how important the revenue from season tickets is. It isn’t enough to solve all the problems, but at the same time, it represents a huge and crucial contribution from the fans.”
Regarding our discussions with the investment fund: “If anything substantial were to change the course of events, we would announce it. This has been mentioned at all our meetings. Throughout this process, we have disclosed anything that was pivotal and substantial, either through a public announcement or before the General Meeting. The confidentiality agreement remains in effect. There is an investor and an investment group that wish to finalize the agreement, and this effort is gradually moving forward. A lot of good work has been done over the past four months, but there is still a long way to go.”
Regarding Pedro Marques and whether there is any interest: “As far as I know, there’s nothing going on with Pedro Marques. But even if I did know, I wouldn’t say anything.”
