Apollon Tsochlas talked about PAOK’s performance during the game against Aris and the positives that he can keep, but as expected, he was also asked about the last play and call that decided it.

The quotes:

«I don’t want to begin from the officiating but rather from basketball. Today we played a weird game, first of all because it was the premiere. All premieres are kind of tough, this one even more, because Aris was assembled in the last moments before the League began, just like we did, and we didn’t have any images from friendly games they had played. It was weird not to be able to have good scouting and not to know what it is you are going to be facing.

We played a very bad quarter. We talked with the coach in the locker room and returned on the floor proving that we have character and that’s what we need to hold on to for what comes next. The energy we brought on the floor and I believe that we have much more to show. Time is on our side from now on. Unfortunately we lost a game which should we had won tonight, would be very helpful in terms of psychology».

About the foul in the last play: «Now on how you do that, I think you need to overcome all obstacles, all opponents and keep going. To become stronger and get better both as a team and as individuals. I have never seen such a foul being called with only 2’’ on the clock. I haven’t watched the replay, I may be doing the ref injustice, but the way I feel, is that you don’t call something like that 2 seconds before the end. You decide the game».

On the whole of the officiating of the derby: «I have high palpitation right now, so I don’t want to pass judgement. When you are like that you may be saying things you don’t mean to say».

On how hard it was to play against a team they didn’t know and got to execute 21 free throws more: «You get over it… You build character through hardships. We lost thanks to our mistakes as well, we lost thanks to the refs mistakes too. No matter what happens, we need to get better, to work every day. This year we have guys that really want to work. I think we have been working very well with the coach, very strong and with intensity during practices. I hope it pays off later on and we need to try a little harder in terms of chemistry and our thinking».