Thomas Murg was forced to leave his PAOK Last January, but he has not closed the capital in his mind and is even thinking of staying in Greece forever.
After a year as a key and champion with PAOK, Thomas Mourg was out of the team this season and left for a loan in Saudi Arabia, where he competes in Al Kalitz by George Doni. The Austrian midfielder has shown that he still has his mind in Thessaloniki and told 90minuten.at, ready to return for the preparation in the summer of 2025.
Thomas Murg’s statements
For the reason he left PAOK: “Last season was very, very good for PAOK and for me personally. We won the championship, I played in most games and I was basic in the team. In February last year, I expanded my contract for another two years. Then the new season started and nothing went according to the plan for PAOK. We lost to Malmo in the Champions League qualifiers and then qualified for the Europa League. Then came the shock, as I was not included in the European list. The club acquired many new players in the summer and I was told that there was no room for me. To be honest, it was not easy, especially because it was not a purely racing decision. We had a weak autumn and then the team acquired five or six new players in January. Then they just told me that if I wanted time to join, I had to leave. So is football. “
About how difficult it was to manage it: “It wasn’t easy for me. I also said it to the club, as well as kids. There was not much time, as the transcription period was open for about ten days. The first proposals came from Turkey, but I rejected them. And then came the proposal from Saudi Arabia. As I said, there wasn’t much time. I had faced a similar situation in PAOK two years ago, when I was not training with the team for a while due to disputes. I stayed then, because there is always the opportunity to fight and prove your value. It was clear to me that I wouldn’t just leave what I built. I’m not 20 years old anymore. “
For the reasons that did not go into Turkey and the choice of Saudi Arabia: “To be honest, Turkey just didn’t care. The teams interested fought for their stay in the category. You also have to consider the overall picture – how does the team play? Where is it in the rating? How many goals has he scored? The overall package was not correct. In Saudi Arabia there were many positive elements for me. First of all, I had two very intensive discussions with the coach (ed. George Doni). I know the mentality of the Greeks well. He knew what kind of player I am and what would he expect from me. Feeling that they need me has helped me make my decision. “
If he thought of the criticism of Saudi Arabia for the prevailing conditions: “To be honest, no. I’m talking to people I trust. I am not interested in the view of others. It’s easy to judge from the outside. You have to have the suggestion in front of you to understand how it is. Money plays a role, of course. You don’t have hundreds of years to play football. Time is limited. However, for me the main reason was the discussions with the coach. At PAOK I played with a player who left Al Kalitz this winter (ed: Narrey). I talked to him for a long time and asked him many things. Of course, you do your research, it is important to feel comfortable. I think you have to experience an experience to form a view. “
For his impressions of Saudi Arabia: “Greece, Thessaloniki and the world there are wonderful. Here they are completely different, of course. Ramadan began on March 1st. Now, the day turns into the night. People stay home the day and come out at night. I usually woke up early, but now I get up at 10 or 11 in the morning because people are sleeping slowly. The shopping malls are open, but the restaurants are closed during the day or offer only take-aWay. We train at 9:30 in the evening, which is completely different. Local players are fasting, so the training hours are adjusted accordingly. The matches take place at 10pm. I get home at midnight or 1:00 am, I eat something and then, of course, I can’t sleep right away. This means that I fall asleep at 3 or 4 in the morning. But, as I said, you are in the country and you have to respect it.
About how she spends time off the court: “I know my two teammates very well from my time in Greece, Kostas Fortounis and Dimitris Kourbelis. We tied up quickly. We go together for brunch, we see football in the evenings or go together to workout. “
About how big an eagerness is to face Ronaldo: “Huge, of course. The stadium is full when we play at home with large teams. How often do you have the opportunity to play against Christian Ronaldo? He is one of the best footballers of all time and is still scoring goals here. But I’m not the kind of player that is surprised or scared. For me every game has to do with victory. I was in Rapid and PAOK, where you had to win almost every game. Here is a little different, but that doesn’t change my mindset.
About whether it makes long -term plans: “I can’t, honestly. I am borrowed by the end of May and I will play here for so long. Of course, more will be made clear in April or May and I will have talks with the club and the coaching staff. I have to look at them now. It is definitely true that I can have a reason for whether I want to stay or not. My first impression is good. I feel comfortable. But what will really happen in the summer is still in the air. “
Whether the PAOK chapter has finally been closed: “No. I have a contract until 2026. If I stay in the facts, in the summer I will be back in preparation. In football, however, nothing is certain and nothing can be excluded. “
As to whether he is thinking of returning to Austria: “I’m not thinking about returning to Austria right now. I spent eight or nine years in Austrian Bundesliga. I am someone who likes to try new things. That is why I wanted to leave Rapid Vienna. But I still need some stability. I don’t want to constantly change a club. When PAOK started having problems two years ago, I was in contact with Tydi Kuhbauer (ed: Lask coach). It was the only time I had contact with Austrian club.
On whether he will stay in Greece or return to Austria after the end of his career: “I would say that the focus has shifted to Greece. When I have a day off, I return there. Certainly I haven’t blocked a return to Austria. As I play football, the programming is difficult anyway. But moving children constantly is not a good plan. We felt very comfortable in Greece and everything went perfectly for the kids, including school and everyone else. So I can imagine that we will stay in Greece even after the end of my career. “
For the goals he has in his 30’s: “You always want to play for a club that is likely to win titles. You want this as a footballer. This is the first time for me to be in a club that does not primarily aim to win titles. I had some annoyances recently and I just want to stay healthy. I want to be in shape and feel good physically. I want to play football and above all to have fun. I want to feel comfortable and work with a coaching team that appreciates me and where there is confidence. These are the most important to me. “