PAOK head coach Alessio Lissi insists his team can handle the pressure when they face Norwegian side Brann in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifying play-off in Bergen.
The Greek club travelled to Norway with the tie balanced at 1-1 following the first leg at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, leaving their European future on the line in the decisive return match.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Norway, Lissi expressed total faith in his squad ahead of what he described as a crucial final. He praised Bergen as a beautiful city and declared his admiration for Norway and European football, adding that his players are fully prepared to deal with the occasion.
Lissi stated that PAOK possesses a strong mental framework capable of navigating difficult periods during the match. He acknowledged that facing Brann on home turf would present challenges, but pointed out that his team demonstrated the ability to withstand pressure during the first leg.
PAOK, officially known as Panthessalonikios Athlitikos Omilos Konstantinoupoliton and nicknamed the Double-headed Eagle, are competing for a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. European football's third-tier club tournament offers substantial financial rewards and international prestige. Opponents Brann, based in Norway's second-largest city of Bergen, host matches at Brann Stadion and are aiming to reach the group phase of a major European competition.
Squad rotation and team unity
The manager highlighted squad unity and shared values as the fundamental keys to PAOK's performances this season. He expressed satisfaction with his roster and spoke warmly of working alongside senior players such as Greek midfielder Dimitris Pelkas.
Addressing questions about team selection following a recent Greek Super League fixture against Levadiakos, Lissi defended making extensive squad changes. He explained that several key players suffered from fatigue after the physically demanding first leg against Brann, necessitating rotation. Lissi emphasized that every player who features earns their place on merit, adding that performances in recent matches proved that all roster members remain strong selection options for the return fixture.
Lissi conceded that Brann held a clear physical conditioning advantage during the second half of the opening leg in Thessaloniki. He stressed that PAOK must manage the tempo carefully in Bergen, urging his players to play with heart and determination in what amounts to a winner-takes-all clash.
When asked about transfer reports linking PAOK with Serbian midfielder Uros Ugresic, Lissi noted that any potential arrival remains unconfirmed. However, he stated that securing such a player would represent an excellent move aligned with the club's long-term strategy, while reiterating that the immediate focus must remain entirely on qualifying past Brann.
Player perspective and tactical approach
Midfielder Christos Zafeiris represented the squad at the press conference and echoed his manager's sentiments, asserting that PAOK must treat the encounter as a final and secure victory in Norway. He called on his teammates to remain united, focused, and committed to fighting together for qualification from the opening whistle.
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw at Toumba Stadium, Zafeiris noted that PAOK started strongly but failed to maintain control throughout the match. He stressed that the team must sustain their upper hand for longer spells in Bergen and stay cohesive through both positive and challenging phases of play.
Zafeiris predicted that Brann would not sit back on their away-goal equality, noting that the Norwegian side benefits from passionate home support and prefers to dictate match tempo. He warned that PAOK must prevent the hosts from controlling possession, recalling that Brann had benefited from good fortune in the first half of the first leg when PAOK failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
League standards and physical demands
Zafeiris observed that both the Greek Super League and the Norwegian Eliteserien have experienced rising standards in recent years. He pointed out that Norwegian teams demonstrate impressive physical conditioning in European ties, though he maintained that Greek clubs are consistently improving their competitive results abroad.
Zafeiris added that PAOK's recent domestic league victory provided vital energy and a significant confidence boost ahead of their trip to Bergen. Commenting on his own brief rest during that match, the midfielder affirmed that while every player desires continuous game time early in the season, manager decisions are respected as the team aims to deliver a winning performance in Norway.
