PAOK manager Alessio Lisci accepted responsibility for his team's performance after the Greek club were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League in a 3-2 defeat against Anderlecht at Lotto Park.
The Thessaloniki side finished the European clash with nine players following red cards shown to Andrija Zivkovic and Yeremeyev, a result that consigns PAOK to the UEFA Conference League play-offs.
Speaking after the match in Brussels, Lisci delivered a self-critical assessment of the defeat, acknowledging that the Belgian host team demonstrated superior competitiveness throughout the evening while his own squad failed to manage critical moments.
Masterclass in European competition
Asked whether the Anderlecht players proved smarter and better prepared in match details, Lisci said one team competed on the night and one did not. He added that the hosts showed PAOK how to be competitive, effectively giving his side a masterclass that they must learn from if they are to progress at European level.
The Italian head coach noted that PAOK had a clean goal disallowed for offside and were denied a penalty. However, he warned that dwelling on refereeing decisions would leave the club on completely the wrong track, insisting that failure to learn from the performance would lead to very difficult times ahead.
PAOK, based in Thessaloniki, are competing in European club football alongside top teams across the continent, while Brussels-based Anderlecht host their European fixtures at Lotto Park. The defeat marks the end of PAOK's campaign in the Europa League, Europe's secondary club tournament, shifting their focus to the third-tier Conference League.
Tactical choices and half-time changes
Lisci accepted full responsibility for leaving PAOK without a recognized striker following tactical adjustments, stating that a lack of competitiveness across the squad falls on the manager as well as the players.
Addressing his decision to make changes at half-time, Lisci explained that defender Baba was replaced because he had already received a yellow card and because Anderlecht were running much more than PAOK. He added that Mythou also suffered as a result of the situation, though he emphasized that Mythou was not solely responsible and declined to single out individual players.
Looking ahead to what PAOK must fix in Europe, Lisci stressed the need for greater aggressiveness in physical duels and better management of match pressure. He pointed out that teams must defend and attack with 11 players on the pitch.
Lisci remarked that Anderlecht played in a physical and dirty manner without malice. He explained that PAOK must learn to react to their opponents' characteristics and become capable of playing a dirty game themselves when necessary.
Discipline issues and double sendings-off
Reflecting on the match progression, Lisci said PAOK needed to display more intelligence after falling behind at 3-2. Instead, he noted that his players allowed themselves to be drawn back into Anderlecht's provocation, leading directly to the two sendings-off.
Lisci described the two red cards as a major problem for PAOK. Regarding Yeremeyev's dismissal, Lisci said he did not witness the incident involving the assistant referee, who heard comments from Yeremeyev but failed to hear what Anderlecht players said during the Belgian side's opening goal. Lisci added that he was not close enough to hear Yeremeyev's exact words, but emphasized that PAOK must handle playing with reduced numbers far better.
Addressing the dismissal of Serbian winger Andrija Zivkovic following an altercation with Anderlecht player Biancone, Lisci stated that if the referee chose to show a red card to Zivkovic, an Anderlecht player should have received one as well.
Focus shifts to Conference League play-offs
Despite concerns over player discipline, Lisci expressed complete confidence in his squad. Asked if he was troubled by the team's behavior on the pitch, he insisted that he trusts every member of the roster.
Lisci concluded by sending a message to players who have lacked game time, stating that those who have not featured heavily now have the opportunity to step up and demonstrate their quality as PAOK prepare for their upcoming Conference League play-off tie.
