Apollon Tsochlas talked to the Media in view of the BCL playoffs game against AEK that's going to be held tomorrow, March 5 at 19:30.

"We are very happy to participate for the third season in a row to the knock-out phase of the BCL. It's a very big derby between two great teams and we need to be really strong to achieve qualification".

On whether AEK is a preferable opponent in relation to the rest of the teams that finished at the 1st place of their groups: "You can never know that. We can't know how things would play out against another team. It's going to be a very difficult game. I don't think that history plays any role in this. These games are going to be special, because they are double ones, so we need to have concentration, mental agility not to have ups and downs with our psychology, no matter how the game goes. We need neither to get excited, nor to get disappointed because it's a game of 80 minutes".

On whether he can think about anything more than winning: «This is something we'll get to see during the game. It's very premature to talk about it now, we'll see how the game goes and we need to remain focused for 40 minutes, have absolutely no ups and downs in our performance, not stray one quota from the plan to try and get the best result we can. Either this is the victory, or a good margin, or whatever else the game will give us».

 About what he expects to be different in tomorrow's game: «We know AEK and they know us very well, we know they are very good with some aspects of the game. Jordan Theodore has adjusted very well at this moment and he's their leader. We need to be really cautious about turnovers, not allow them to run, because they are very good at the fast break and with offensive boards».

 On whether the two teams are at a similar level, like stats show: «It's a huge derby, the numbers prove that, the games we have played since last season are proof enough. You can't know exactly where the game is going to take you. I think that will and passion will maybe play a decisive role as to which team will get ahead».

 On AEK's psychology after winning the Intercontinental Cup: «It's a big success for AEK, we don't know how this can positively affect their psychology. We don't care about that. It's a new challenge and we need to be strong».

 On whether a full PAOK Sports Arena can play a role tomorrow: «We hope it will...»