Razvan In Or Out? PAOK 2022 Review

Razvan In Or Out? PAOK 2022 Review

By Konstantinos Massaras



As we enter a new year, and also a transfer window, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the first half of the 2022/23 season and look forward to the future. After a stunning elimination from the Europa Conference League, PAOK have managed to rebound domestically as they currently sit in third place, ten points behind league leaders Panathinaikos. 


These past five years have been a roller coaster for PAOK fans. When Razvan Lucescu came into the club in 2017, it only took him two seasons to become one of the most accomplished managers in the club’s history. A shocking departure to Saudi Arabia in 2019 however did not allow the club to build off of its successes, and the Abel Ferreira era left PAOK fans in disarray. PAOK managed to win the 2020-21 Greek Cup under Pablo Garcia, only to be replaced with none other than Razvan Lucescu himself. The 2021-22 season was one extremely out of the ordinary. While finishing in 2nd place in both the League and Cup, PAOK managed to go as far as they have ever gone in a European tournament, managing to get to the quarter-finals in the Europa Conference League. 


Losing the Cup Final to Panathinaikos however left PAOK fans with a bitter feeling as they entered the 2022-23 season. After the shock elimination from the Conference League to Levski Sofia to start the season, many PAOK fans were calling for the firing of Razvan Lucescu. And it is fair to say that it was Lucescu’s questionable squad selection for those matches that played a major factor in PAOK’s elimination. No matter, PAOK ended up sticking with Lucescu, who answered many of the fans' frustrations. 


Lucescu called up many of the young talents from PAOK B into the first team, and it has paid off. A few of the names include: Marios Tsaousis, Konstantinos Koulierakis, and of course Giannis Konstantelias. The rebuild was on. PAOK currently field the second youngest team in Greece, only behind PAS Giannina. Lucescu’s decision to not only call up some of the best talent the club has to offer, but to stick with them and give them consistent minutes in the starting eleven has allowed us to realize the talent of a player like Konstantelias.


PAOK have seen a few disappointing results so far this season, including a really poor showing against AEK, a loss at home to Panathinaikos, and plenty of dropped points to lowly sides like Panetolikos. However, a 2-1 victory over Olympiakos in Karaiskaki and a recent stretch of improved play have contributed to PAOK fans having a much more positive outlook on the remainder of the season. 


As for Lucescu, there are a few factors to consider before deciding if it has been a successful enough season thus far. First, this is not the 2018 team. Whether we are talking about overall market value, chemistry, or experience, this team is centuries behind. And yes, the European exit was inexcusable. But we have a long season ahead of us, and Greece is looking at one of the more competitive finishes in the league’s history. 


Even though Panathinaikos are sitting on top of the league heading into 2023, AEK, PAOK, and Olympiakos are all within reach. We are yet to see a Playoff Round where the league title is still genuinely up for grabs, but we may finally get to see a true race to the top this season. 


If PAOK disappoint in both the Kypello and the Protathlima this season, Lucescu will definitely be on the hot seat. On the other hand, if PAOK can make a serious run for both the title and cup, while also proving to fans that the club has a strong core setup for the future, Lucescu may well be here to at least finish out the remainder of his contract.


Hellas Football 


Follow @KostaMassaras

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