"It is kind of hard for me not being a footballer any more, I love football very much. Back at 2010, we tried hard against AFC Ajax but did not manage to eliminate them, even if they did not beat us. That great club finally qualified against us with two draws. Things are not easy for manager Vladan Ivic, but he has done a very good work during the pre-season and I am happy because the administration supports him.
They offered him a 3-season contract, that means a lot, and Tuesday's match is very important for PAOK, for him and the fans. I believe that they can eliminate AFC Ajax, because they signed good footballers and have a strong squad. It will not be easy, but nobody was expecting Portugal National Team to win France's Euro 2016 as well.
Football is great because of these surprises, it will be important for PAOK to score at the away clash or even play out a goalless draw. They have to perform well in order to score, the presence of the fans will give them the edge at the second leg. I lived the atmosphere of Toumba for three seasons and it helps the players very much.
Vladan Ivic worked well during the pre-season, in and out of the field, this is what the manager has to do before the beginning of the season. I expect to see the footballers ready, focused on their great target of advancing to Champions League's group stage. I don't know if I will attend the match at Toumba Stadium, because I am currently working in Italy with some new players.
PAOK is a great club, Vladan Ivic could be successful because he is working hard for their new beginning. It will be a great challenge for him and he has still a lot to offer to football", said the 39-year-old Italian, who spent six seasons of his career in Greece with AEK (2005-07, 2013-14) and PAOK (2009-12).
