paok vs celta vigo: Final Training Wrap-Up at Nea Mesimvria Ahead of Toumba Clash
PAOK wrapped up its preparations for the home fixture against Celta Vigo with a final training session on Wednesday afternoon (ET). The session placed heavy emphasis on tactical drills and set-piece routines, while a handful of players were managed individually through treatment or modified work as the coaching staff finalizes the matchday squad.
Tactical rehearsal and set-piece focus
The closing practice at Nea Mesimvria centered on tactical coherence and dead-ball scenarios. Coaches dedicated a substantial portion of the session to rehearsing formations, pressing triggers and transitional patterns designed to challenge Celta Vigo’s structure. A special program of drills aimed at both offensive and defensive set pieces was a standout feature, indicating that the technical team expects standards from corners and free kicks to be decisive in the upcoming match at Toumba Stadium.
Players rotated through situational exercises that simulated match-like sequences: build-up from the back under pressure, rapid switches of play to exploit wide areas, and coordinated runs into the box during corner routines. The session’s tone suggested an emphasis on disciplined positioning and quick decision-making, with coaching staff repeatedly stopping play to adjust spacing and timing.
Availability and fitness updates
Several first-team figures did not complete group work. Giannis Konstantelias and Luka Ivanusec were put on individualized programs on the training pitch, carrying out separate drills tailored to their specific conditioning and recovery needs. Their modified participation suggests precautionary management rather than full absence, with the staff aiming to optimize sharpness without risking aggravation ahead of the match.
Kiril Despodov and Dimitris Pelkas received treatment during the session. While both took some time with the medical team, neither was described as having been withdrawn entirely from team activities. Soualiou Meite was left out of training entirely, with staff managing discomfort he is experiencing in his hip. The approach to Meite’s condition appears conservative: the team is prioritizing short-term comfort and long-term availability by avoiding unnecessary strain.
Overall, the medical and coaching teams appear to be balancing readiness with caution. The individualized work for a few players, combined with on-pitch treatment for others, points to a last-minute assessment approach that will shape the final squad list. Expect decisions on marginal cases to be confirmed closer to kickoff.
What to expect on matchday
With the final training session concluded, attention now turns to matchday at Toumba Stadium. The emphasis on set pieces and tactical repetitions suggests that the team will look to control moments of the game through structure and rehearsed situations. The management of minor knocks and tailored recovery work for select players means the coach retains flexibility when naming the starting XI and the bench.
The squad’s final selection will hinge on how the individually managed players respond in the remaining hours before kickoff. If the individualized drills and treatment prove effective, those names could still figure into the matchday plan. Conversely, conservative decisions could hand opportunities to other squad members ready to step into the limelight.
Fans can expect a prepared and disciplined side aiming to leverage home advantage, with an emphasis on minimizing mistakes from set plays and maximizing any openings created by tactical execution. The coming hours will clarify which players will take the field, but the overall message from the final session was clear: tactical discipline, set-piece sharpness and careful injury management will define the team’s approach to the paok vs celta vigo encounter.
