Dimitris Nikolaidis on AEK – PAOK: ‘AEK Has Defensive Insecurity’

Dimitris Nikolaidis analyzed the derby against PAOK in the premiere of the Super League playoffs, supporting in Nova’s Monday FC show that the Thessaloniki team won without being particularly good. In his analysis of the first competitive playoff game of the Super League, Nikolaidis focused on Michailidis’ performance for PAOK and highlighted the insecurity shown by AEK’s defense. Excerpt from Nikolaidis’ comment: ‘It was a peculiar match, but expected because we’ve seen AEK vs PAOK before. Peculiar because PAOK won a game where they weren’t great. In the first half, AEK dominated and made it 2-0 at the 50th minute. Then PAOK slightly improved and scored three goals. This will significantly impact the continuation. It seemed like the break affected them and they didn’t start the match with rhythm or intensity. PAOK lacked intensity altogether. If Konstantelias hadn’t scored where he did… I don’t know if PAOK would have believed in their win. I think it was Michailidis’ brilliance; he made PAOK’s game. The goal by Konstantelias changed the entire match. AEK’s insecurity in defense affects them. There is no confidence. Players don’t feel good or secure within the team. Both Briniolli and Strakosha are good goalkeepers. In a team not playing well strategically, the goalkeeper…’