PAOK Football Club is back to training as it gears up for key matches following their impressive performances this past year. After taking some time off to rest, the team kicked off their preparations on December 29, 2024, with eyes set on their first match of 2025 against arch-rival Panathinaikos.
Coach Razvan Lucescu's squad returned to the training fields at their Nea Mesimvria sports center, eager to refine their tactics and physical fitness. "The team is preparing for the derby against Panathinaikos," said the club's official statement, highlighting the importance of the upcoming match scheduled for January 5.
On the training pitch, all players except for Giannis Konstantelias, who was granted extra leave due to his recent wedding, were present and training vigorously. Tyson, another key player, also rejoined the squad. Notably, PAOK's injury report remains clear, with players available to Lucescu as they focus on maintaining their momentum.
2024 ended on a high note for PAOK, with the team clinching a 3-0 victory against Atromitos. This win places them just one point behind league leaders Olympiakos after accumulating 34 points from their first 16 matches of the Super League. The 'black and whites' are performing well, especially on the road, where they've secured seven wins and one draw out of eight matches this season.
For PAOK fans, the return to training signifies not just the coming derby but also the team's aspiration to capitalize on its current form. PAOK's home games have not been as strong, as evidenced by their performance at Tumba, where they collected only 11 points so far this season. Yet, recent success suggests they are regaining their footing, making supporters hopeful for continued success.
The upcoming encounter against Panathinaikos is set to be significant. The team is aiming for their eighth away win of the season as they seek to establish dominance early in the new year. Coach Lucescu's strategies, coupled with the players' determination, could very well lead to another strong performance, especially after the booming season filled with away victories.
Despite the on-field focus, off-field issues bubble under the surface, particularly stemming from incidents during the quarterfinal match against AEK for the Greek Cup, where tensions flared outside the stadium. The repercussions of such events keep both clubs wary as they navigate the competitive atmosphere of Greek football.
Supporters around the country eagerly await this epic clash, and anticipations are high for what promises to be another chapter in this fierce rivalry. The derby not only has league points at stake but also pride among the two historically significant teams of Greek football.
PAOK's preparations signal they are not just ready to play but also determined to outperform expectations. The player training and strategies being implemented point toward ambitious aims, both domestically and beyond. Enthusiasts of the club can look forward to the residential denouement against Panathinaikos and continue to rally behind their squad as they move forward.