AEK defeated APOEL 3-1 in the first matchday of the Cyprus League by Stoiximan.
After his team’s victory, the home team’s coach, Rubén Segues, expressed satisfaction with their first-half performance and the three points. He sent a message to his players looking ahead to the rest of the season, noting that they still have room to improve as a team.
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On the other hand, the visiting team’s coach, Nikos Papadopoulos, spoke of… childish mistakes in defense by his players but emphasized that he also saw positive signs. What was missing was a clear head in the final push, and he stressed that they must respond immediately in the next match at GSP against AEL.
Here are his comments in detail
Rubén Segues
Opening remarks: “I thank the fans for their support from day one. These past four days have been tough; it was just the beginning. We wanted the three points in my debut because it’s not easy to step into a demanding environment so early on. We knew how we were going to play; in the first half we were in control, but in the second half we lost it for a bit. We’re happy about the three points, but we still have work to do to be stronger for the full 90 minutes. There’s still room for improvement.”
On the directness he demands in his team’s play: “In the second half, I specifically asked one player to make two touches. In general, we want to play quickly. I’m especially proud of the first half. That’s how we’ll control the game, and we need to improve on that.”
On the injuries to Pilea and Amin: “It’s the first league game; it was an open, fast-paced match, so it’s normal to feel tired. I expect them to be ready for the next game, but we’ll know more in the coming days.”
In which areas does the team need to improve: “We want to control possession, and we did that in the first half. We want to extend our good stretches. It’s normal—we need time to get to know each other. We have to stick together, and in the next game, we have to find solutions as a team.”
Nikos Papadopoulos
Initial comment: “After a score like that and a loss—especially given the way we conceded the goals in the season opener—I don’t have much to say. In the second half, we tried to get back into the game. The first two goals came from set pieces, and we could have prevented them. We’re disappointed; we wanted to get off to a good start in the league. I saw some positive things—we took the initiative and created chances—but we have to avoid those… childish mistakes at this level.”
What’s missing from the team offensively? “We were creative. We lacked a goal; we needed to keep a clearer head. The positive is that we’re creating chances, and the negative is that we’re not converting them into goals. With a score like this, though, there’s not much to say. We’ll keep working—it’s only the beginning—and if we continue with the same dedication and correct our defensive mistakes, we’ll be able to make a real impact in the final stretch.”
Regarding the fans: “The team’s performance wasn’t disappointing; the fans just didn’t like the score. We’ll do everything we can to be competitive and earn the respect of all the other teams. The results will come; we’ll support the players to boost their morale and bounce back in the next game.”
When will the team find its rhythm? “I don’t want to make big claims. All teams need 2–3 games to find their rhythm. AEK had their European games. We need to bounce back immediately, at home in front of our fans.”
On the transfer activity and Rosa: “I have an excellent working relationship with Zisis and the front office. The team needs depth in two or three positions. I believe that will happen. I’ve spoken up and shared my views; the team is doing its best within its financial constraints to help. As for Rosa, things will become clear in the coming days—we want the players on the team who truly want to be here.”
