PAOK demotes Brazilian winger Taison to reserve team

PAOK has decided to move Brazilian winger Taison to training sessions with the club’s B team. The 38-year-old player will follow a specialized program under the direction of Dani Pons at the Lola training facilities in Souroti, with the stated goal of regaining and maintaining physical fitness and match readiness.

The decision follows an incident during a recent match against Astera AKTOR. Reports indicate that during the second half, coach Alessio Lisi requested Taison to prepare to enter as a substitute, but the player cited physical discomfort. This reaction caused friction within the club, as Taison had not reported any issues prior to the match. The club’s move is viewed as a measure to enforce discipline and respect for team principles, regardless of a player's experience or status.

Taison addressed the situation on social media, stating he will continue to train with the same mindset and dedication. He noted that it is both a joy and a challenge to support younger players in the B team, emphasizing that the team’s current priority should be the upcoming match against Olympiacos.