Marko Nikolic: “We Left Two Points in the 97th Minute”

AEK Athens held its lead until the seventh minute of stoppage time, when Kifisia equalized to secure a 1-1 draw at Leoforos.

The late goal left AEK coach Marko Nikolic visibly disappointed. He said his team had surrendered two points in a match it could have won.

“We left two points in the 97th minute. Kifisia deserved it in this very bad environment,” Nikolic said. He argued that AEK’s energy levels fell short, while the conditions and the pitch made the game difficult.

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We left two points in the 97th minute. Kifisia deserved it in this very bad environment. The energy levels were not where they needed to be.

Nikolic also criticized AEK’s start and its substitutes. He said the team had performed poorly during the first 30 minutes, played at Kifisia’s pace and lost too many duels. The changes from the bench, he added, failed to produce the expected effect.

“When you come off the bench, you give something extra. Just as I give praise, now it is time for criticism,” the Serbian coach said.

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When you come off the bench, you give something extra. Just as I give praise, now it is time for criticism.