Prodromos Petridis held coach and players accountable
The president of the “APOEL Football” Company, Prodromos Petridis, who had believed in the prospects of the Blue and Yellows in their European journey that started in July, is “bursting” from his grief. He believed in the dynamics of the new team and its ability to reach very high, to the stars of the top interclub competition.
Mr. Petridis did everything he could to makes easier the new technical leadership. He brought top players to APOEL with “heavy” resumes, such as El Arabi, Mayer and Laifis.
He had no choice but to replace the quirky (to say the least) Sa Pinto. He was taking no chances. He went to a more “sure” and tested solution, David Gaiego who, as the coach of Anorthosis for one semester, did a good job and learned the Cypriot football reality.
< strong>However, the Spaniard has so far proven to be far below expectations.He is unable to guide his players to implement his plan, he is unable to inspire them and make them play for the team and for their coach.
We learned that Mr. Petridis, despite his disappointment, he will credit Gaiego and support him in the hope that he will soon be able to transform APOEL for the better. But he sent a clear message to the technical leadership and to the players, that he will not tolerate them dragging the team down with appearances like the one in Latvia.
We have learned that Prodromos Petridis was in a rage situation at half time of the match against Riga. He went down to the locker room and tried to boost the players' psychology and self-confidence, but at the same time, he also held them accountable.
The president of consecutive titles and great European successes, gave the signal of… regrouping. He is sure that APOEL will recover competitively and secure next Thursday its participation in the Europa League, but will also be able to defend last year's achievements with claims.
