paokarag4

Sastre (Loan deal made permanent) Rafa Soares (left back), Gianni Karagas(Center back), Nicolas Quagliata (winger/attacking mid), Tiago Dantas (Midfielder on loan from Benfica), Dominik Kortarski (keeper), Andre Ricardo (Winger, signed for the B team initially?) and although not officially announced, reports for weeks have said Ivan Nasberg is a done deal from Valarenga. PAOK is just waiting for his contract to expire at the end of July. Apparently Norway has different contracts that end in July and not June. Others that are apparently almost done are Khaled Narey and now Brandon Thomas, but nothing official on those guys just yet.

Seems like the Colak sale is indeed going through. Rangers will pay 2.5 million plus 500k in potential bonuses, so we are roughly making our money back on him. Since the club has known Colak was likely to be sold, apparently they've been working on his replacement so we shouldn't have to wait too long.

Kolouris back playing abroad, sold from Atromitos for around 1 million to the Austrian side LASK

Kotarski officially announced! Hoping the kid comes in and makes the position his own. Paschalakis for all he achieved and his spectacular matches, always had errors in him and was never the solid number one we needed. Let's see how Kotarski goes, remebering he is only 22 but the fans in Greece are fickle and a mistake or two and they'll be all over him. Best of luck to the lad.

You would think someone will move on from the midfield with Augusto on paper seeming the most likely. Coming off a good season and entering the final season of his contract. As it stands we have 6 midfielders for 2 positions: Kurtic, Augusto, Tsingaras, Schwab, F.Soares and soon to be Dantas. That's not counting El Kaddouri and Quagliata who are attacking mids, so something has to give you would think.

Speaking of uncovering buried objects, what are the chances of them uncovering fossils and ancient artefacts under Toumba (which is almost the norm in Greece when they dig) do we expect these to cause potential delays? Or will we have the archaeologists on the take and get them to look the other way so we can get the stadium built?

Head to head results are the first tie-breaker in UEFA competitions, the Nations League included. So if we beat Kosovo here we will have secured top spot, promotion to league B and a play-off spot for Euro 2024. A draw would also have us in a decent spot, it would mean we could afford to lose one of our last 2 and we would still top Kosovo on our H2H record. The only way goal difference would become a factor is if Kosovo beats us 1-0. This is the full list of tie-breaking criteria If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points on completion of the league phase, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied: Higher number of points obtained in the matches played among the teams in question; Superior goal difference in matches played among the teams in question; Higher number of goals scored in the matches played among the teams in question; If, after having applied criteria 1 to 3, teams still have an equal ranking, criteria 1 to 3 are reapplied exclusively to the matches between the teams in question to determine their final rankings.[a] If this procedure does not lead to a decision, criteria 5 to 11 apply; Superior goal difference in all group matches; Higher number of goals scored in all group matches; Higher number of away goals scored in all group matches; Higher number of wins in all group matches; Higher number of away wins in all group matches; Lower disciplinary points total in all group matches (1 point for a single yellow card, 3 points for a red card as a consequence of two yellow cards, 3 points for a direct red card, 4 points for a yellow card followed by a direct red card).

An interesting comment from Chatzidiakos in the pre-match press conference about the difference in philosophies between Poyet and JVS. Essientially he said JVS wanted possession, while Poyet places an emphasis on grabbing a goal. Not surprising considering JVS is from the Dutch school of football where possession is everything. The truth is no matter how bad we want to be side that dominates the ball, it's hard to turn professionals into that. What I mean is that the change needs to be done at a lower level and passed on to kids who are currently 12-16. It needs to become a style that kids grow up playing, not one they learn when they are 24 and have been professional footballers for 6 years already. Poyet's style of grabbing a goal probably suits the NT currently and fits more with the current Greek footballing landscape. So we may see more success with him at the helm with this current crop of players. It's just an interesting comparison and does raise the question of footballing philosophy. The quote in full: Για το τι έχει αλλάξει με τον Πογέτ: "Ο Πογέτ προσπαθεί να μας δώσει το winning mentality. Αυτό έχει αλλάξει περισσότερο. Με τον Φαν Σιπ παίζαμε περισσότερο με κατοχή, τώρα παίζουμε για να βάλουμε γκολ και όχι να κρατήσουμε την μπάλα".

I thought so but it seems it is indeed unconfirmed but it appears the qualifying process will mirror that of the previous Euro. https://www.espn.com.au/football/uefa-nations-league/story/4678862/uefa-nations-league-2022-23-all-you-need-to-know How will the Nations League affect Euro 2024 qualifying? UEFA has yet to confirm the qualifying process for Euro 2024, though it is expected to be ratified in June 2022. The expectation is that there will be 10 groups, with the top two nations in each group qualifying alongside hosts Germany. The remaining three places are expected to be decided by playoffs, with one qualification path allocated to Leagues A, B and C.

Winning our Nations League group would guarantee us a play-off spot for Euro 2024. So if we aren't able to qualify directly through the qualifiers (to be played in 2023) then we know we have a shot through the play-off tournament. Not to mention improving our ranking and allowing Poyet and the team to gel and gain confidence heading into the qualifiers.

What is the meaning of this? Far too much sense to be posting on the Ethniki forums, show yourself out young man! Absolutely ridiculous.

Quagliata is our first official signing of the transfer window, interested to see his ability and how much Lucescu will use him.

Limnios has always had the defensive side of the game down pat. He tracks back and supports his full-back and its why coaches like him. Limnios biggest challenge is his attacking play and more specifically when he doesn't have space to use his pace he can be rendered ineffective due to his lack of dribbling ability. Good to see he had a hand in the goal but again once he beat the defender diving in, he had space to work in. Never the less, I have been encouraged by the season he had in Holland and am curious to see if he's learnt a new trick or two. I didn't see the game but good to win especially away to one of the trickier road trips in the group. Must back it up, Kosovo will be plucky as they always are. Wonder if Poyet will rotate given only 2 days between games, back-to-back road trips and there are another 2 games on the horizon.

Early reports saying Poyet has decided what the starting eleven will look like, no massive surprises but once again our midfield appears to be lacking. ---------------Vlachodimos--------------- Kotsiras----Xatzidiakos--Mavropanos--Tsimikas ------Siopis----Bakasetas---Bouchalakis/Kourbelis Douvikas------Giakoumakis-----Limnios https://www.sport24.gr/football/ethniki-elladas-protes-dokimes-poget-me-giakoymaki-stin-koryfi-kai-provlima-me-masoyra.9650587.html Masouras has a knock and it's touch and go if he'll be fit in time. Not sure about Douvikas on the wing but happy with the more physical Giakoumakis leading the line against what will be some physical center backs. Limnios had a terrific season numbers wise, became a starter for a top 4 team in Holland with over 8 league goals 4-5 assists, I am interested to see if he has had added any strings to his bow or is still the hard working/workman like winger he was when he left PAOK 2 years ago. Midfield doesn't look overly inspiring but its the best we have, I think Bouchalakis will struggle with the pace and physicality over the Northern Irish. Not that Kourbelis is super quick and I am honestly not sure what his form has been like since returning from that long term injury, but he I think can at least mix it with the Northern's physically and will throw his weight around. Looks unlikely at this stage Baldock will start, given he only joined up with the team a few days ago. He is probably suited to playing against these guys though, and he himself said that he has played against almost the whole NI squad throughout his years in England.

Silly move if it was to eventuate. We were never winning the title this season. We wanted a run in Europe and we got the best one in our history (in terms of matches won) We are into another Cup final, regardless of the result Lucescu needs to stay and be allowed to build a team he wants. I will say any other manager has the poor run we've had of late, they probably would not have survived but that doesn't mean it would've been the correct move (or the poor run in November) Nothing has been lost big picture wise and even if we finish end up sliding and finishing 3rd or 4th there is no real difference, except maybe a qualifying round and starting a fortnight later.

Yeah it's a great opportunity for Poyet to get an extended amount of time by international football standards at least, with the squad. 4 matches in 10 days will shape our hopes of topping the group and locking in a playoff birth for Euro 2024. Starting XI as always has some holes, especially in midfield and to a lesser extent in attack. I'll base mine on players who have had regular game time even if they aren't my personal favourites. ------------------Vlachodimos------ Lyratzis-----Mavropanos---Chatzidiakos-----Tsimikas -----Bouchalakis*------Siopis-------Mantalos/Bakasetas** Masouras---------Giakoumakis-----------Limnios * for Bouchalakis because ideally he wouldn't start but we are so limited in central midfield I don't see a way he won't. Alexandropoulos is an option but I don't think coaches have full faith in him just yet, as is evidenced by him not being a nailed on starter for PAO. **Mantalos/Bakasetas are the only viable options I see for an attacking mid. I know Fortounis is a favourite on this forum but he unfortunately hasn't come on since returning from long-term injury and is battling niggling injuries. It'll have to be one of those 2 considering Pelkas is also injured and I'm not sure what type of shape he'll be in come NT time. Other discussion worthy positions is our attacking 3. I've gone Giakoumakis over Pavlidis but the choice really depends on what your prefer in your striker. Giakoumakis is more a scorer and plays like a traditional big man. He's a constant threat in the box and takes up good scoring positions. While Pavlidis is much more of a modern striker, will come deep to receive the ball and link up. Much better technically with the ball at his feet. And while he's not a bad scorer and has a good season stats wise, he's not as lethal in scoring positions. Tzolis is far more talented than Limnios, but he has hardly played this season so that relegates him to a role off the bench. Limnios has been a starter in a top 5 team in Holland this season, so despite not being his biggest fan and acknowledging he is limited in an attacking sense he will be one of the wingers. @PaokCT you asked and I delivered, this should keep you busy for half an hour or so😉

If true that isn't good. We are struggling massively particularly at center back where the Varela-Mihaj combo is slow just not up to the level as a partnership. Ingason's inclusion makes us automatically a 30% better defensive team IMO. Same with our wingers, with no Biseswar, Jaba our options are limited. Murg is what he is, he's nothing special and apart from set pieces doesn't do anything particularly well. Mitrita has moments and flashes of brilliance but is too inconsistent and that inconsistency lends itself to him being more effective off the bench. Anyway these are the cards we have been dealt so we have to keep rolling with it. We have to flesh out a gritty win here because to go winless against Aris all season is not a world I want to live in.

The form dip is concerning, seems the team hasn't been able to bounce back mentally since being knocked out by Marseille. A win against Aris would be perfect to secure a top 3 finish and allow us to fully shift our focus to the cup final, but until we win these playoffs remain a pesky chore that we just can't get done. In saying that based on our current form you can't say with any confidence that we will win any of final 3 playoff matches. I'd expect the guys who were rested to return midweek, Ingason, Zivkovic, Lyratzis and probably Akpom. Hopefully we find a way to win and returning to winning ways because I'd hate for us to be winless in over 10 games heading into the final.

Bakasetas and Siopis are Champions of Turkey with Trabzonspor, securing the club's first league title in 38 years with a draw on the weekend. Congratulations to both of the lads! https://www.instagram.com/p/CdEQH38LaJd/

You would expect a few of the guys who played 120 against Olympiakos would be rested in this one. So I'd say Crespo, Kurtic will 100% be rested. Ingason and Sidcley will probably have to play due to lack of options (I heard Mihaj is injured but haven't read anything official from the club?) Same with Zivkovic, our wing options are really limited with all the recent injuries. So not sure there is any way Andrija doesn't start, unless we go with Murg/Taylor on the wings.

Glad Jaba is back in the squad, hopefully he doesn't blow his 2nd (3rd?) chance because we need him to see out this season. With the away goals rule applying it will be important to keep a clean sheet. A 1-0 or heck even a 2-0 win would be amazing. But a 0-0 isn't the end of the world either.

Really? Do you have a source, can't find any French or English media reporting it. I doubt that there would be any team punishment, for Payet himself there would be a suspension of some kind.

Kurtic has another season on loan before his contract expires with Parma, at which point he'll be a free agent and we can keep him if we choose to. The 'loan' was only a loan for tax reasons for Parma I believe. We essentially signed him to a 2 year contract. He will be 34 at the end of next season, so whether we want to keep him at that age is a different story.

We deserved to win that match no doubt, created more than enough really good chances. An early goal changes the complexion of the whole tie, take your pick Tsingaras, Akpom or Crespo in the first 15. Their goal comes from a mistake, Crespo ran himself into a bit of dead end he was surrounded by Marseille players pressing but perhaps he could have been a little safer rather than trying to be cute in that moment. Regardless it's harsh to blame him for the result, mistakes will happen against 'better' higher quality teams. It all comes down to missed chances and we missed plenty. The boys, the team, the fans and the city should be proud. We came out and really took it to them, we didn't take a backwards step and deserved at least an extra 30 mins to qualify. Toumba giving a standing ovation to the team was special, the atmosphere throughout was special. I hope the team really bottles that energy and it drives them the rest of the season. They deserve the applause they got. It was a great European run and one the club had been craving for a long time. On another day we are celebrating a semi-final birth. It feels a bit empty currently, the league and even the cup semi don't seem super important at the moment. Hopefully the lads don't feel the same and are able to bounce back, especially for the Cup in a weeks time.