Mendilibar is worried about you
Olympiacos coach Mendilibar has made it clear: beating PAOK this weekend is non-negotiable for his title hopes. "If we want to win the league, we have to beat PAOK," he said (15). He also warned his players to give nothing away, referencing how Olympiacos gifted PAOK chances in their previous meeting (12) (13) (14).
That's a compliment in disguise. Olympiacos's coach is treating this like a must-win. PAOK are the obstacle between him and the title.
Mendilibar also confirmed that Yazici will be out for a significant period after picking up an injury. "He'll be out for a while, we send him our best wishes," he said (10). One less danger for PAOK to worry about.
Mystakidis and the Trinchieri plan
Off the pitch, PAOK president Mystakidis is backing coach Andrea Trinchieri with a new training facility. This isn't just bricks and mortar. It's a direct investment in Trinchieri's football vision and a sign that the club's leadership is fully aligned with where the team is heading (1) (2).
Separately, PAOK are closing in on a fee for Giakoumakis, with a figure now reportedly locked in (2).