PAOK - Krasnodar Preview

PAOK-Krasnodar Preview

By Alain Anastasakis



Today, we won't talk about tactics, nor about the players, not even about the opponent or the coach's choice. The tonight's game, in my PAOKtzis' heart can't be watched with reason nor rationally. 


The Dikefalo will face again Krasnodar for the second round after they eliminated Besiktas and Benfica. 


We feel this time is different. 


That something is ongoing. That the Champions League's anthem would finally sound in our ears for the first time. Tonight will be probably the greatest chance for PAOK to write a new page in history. And bring the club into another dimension. 


We will play behind closed doors. Again, the Toumpa will be silent. We could think it might be a huge pain, even an advantage for the opponent as we all know that the concrete never scared anybody. We could also believe that whatever happens, the celebration wouldnt be a great one without Toumpa's magical atmosphere. 


But we would be wrong! With or without it, it will be the players and coach's job to beat the weakest opponent we faced during this campaign. Not only to "advance to Champions League", but also to break the curse. To take revenge on the wretched past. To show to UEFA that everything they can do against our club, PAOK will always be stronger than the System. 


The "extra soul" that Giorgos Koudas talked about is what the Black & Whites will need. We know that whatever happens, we already can be proud of what the team has done already. But it won't be enough. We've been waiting too long. We all send a message to the team : our time has come. 


Be ready to fight to the end. Show us your blood, your sweat and your tears. Make us blow, drive us insane and give us the Graal we deserve. And more than everything: make history!


Now and forever, 

PAOK AGAINST ALL!!! 

PAOK PANW APO OLA!!!


Hellas Football 


Follow @alainb_

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