Grigoriou: 'We want the top four... and a title'

Aris Thessaloniki coach Michalis Grigoriou has boldly set ambitious goals for the upcoming season, declaring his team's aim for a top-four finish in the league and a championship title. Speaking ahead of the league's premiere and the match against Kalamata, Grigoriou expressed confidence in the team's preparation and their readiness for the "marathon" of the Super League.

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The goal is the Cup, the goal is to be in the top four of the championship, and of course, for a title to come after so many years for Aris.

"The goal is the Cup, the goal is to be in the top four of the championship, and of course, for a title to come after so many years for Aris," Grigoriou stated. He believes that the club's stature, history, and jersey necessitate a constant pursuit of silverware each season. This ambition, he confirmed, has been instilled in the players, who understand that Aris must always compete for any available title.

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Of course, I have passed this on to the players, because Aris is structured, it is history, it is the jersey such that there is nothing else other than to go for any title every season.

Grigoriou acknowledged that every season opener presents its own challenges. He specifically noted their opponent, Kalamata, a team returning to the Super League after a long absence. He described Kalamata as a well-structured team that knows its objectives on the field, especially motivated for their league debut. However, Grigoriou stressed that Aris will focus on their own identity and philosophy, regardless of the opponent's strength or whether they play at home or away.

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Initially I will say that it is a premiere, and every premiere hides its own traps.

Addressing past injury concerns, Grigoriou confirmed that the team is in a much better physical condition compared to the previous season. He highlighted that the team's preparation focused on managing player workload to prevent injuries, particularly for those with a history of them. While acknowledging the demanding schedule ahead, with midweek cup games starting in September, Grigoriou expressed optimism that the team can maintain its fitness and performance levels throughout the season.

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We have prepared accordingly, I have told the children, that regardless of the opponent, we have our own identity and philosophy and that is what we must do whether we play at home or away, regardless of the opponent's strength, and I hope that this will happen this matchday against Kalamata.