It’s Going To Be A Long Season
By: Chris Paraskevas |
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First off, some well-directed hatred toward Kostas Katsouranis (replace the ‘a’ with a ‘un’ and you’d get the drift of the general feeling of ill-will of AEK fans toward the traitor) for electing to return to Greece - with Panathinaikos.
OK so we could see it come for quite some time, but it is the sheer reality that he will be wearing green that hurts most after he made his name in black and yellow - quite frankly, how dare he.
Apart from the obvious lure of Champions League - which he no doubt could have found by moving elsewhere in Europe, or by sticking it out with Benfica (who are a far, far bigger club than Panathinaikos in any case) - there seems to be no legitimate football reason for him to return to Greece at this stage of his career. Yes, the Greek domestic scene has made huge strides over the past decade or two and the standard of football is improving but it is no coincidence that younger prospects (Pliatsikas, Tziolis) are being ushered away from Greece for development.
Though Karagounis’ return has worked, one wonders whether a return home will have the same effect for a man who has not seen his best form with the national team for quite some time - but enough about that little upstart, let’s focus on a real team for a few moments…
The side returned to training on Monday morning for the first time ahead of the new season, with new signing Grigorios Makos turning out with his new teammates.
Panionios, Mallorca and Atromitos have all been lined up for August friendlies, whilst Vassilis Pliatsikas has moved to Bundesliga giants Schalke after Greece manager Otto Rehhagel had a quiet word in the ear of new manager Felix Magath.
The usual links with players remain, with Mateja Kezman the most interesting off the lot, mentioned in a supposed swap deal with want-away striker Edinho.
However, given the movements of the likes of Leto and Katsouranis and Olympiakos’ ever-present spending power, AEK’s relative lack of recruiting would suggest they are some way off a legitimate title challenge this season, which with every day is shaping up to be a long one…
Category: AEK Athens Team News
Why AEK Athens And Ilie Iordache Are Better Than Cristiano Ronaldo
By: Chris Paraskevas | 2 Comments
Another pathetic attempt to snare traffic in the AEK blog I know, though I was only seconds ago punished by the football Gods (who clearly favour CR7/CR9/CRNikePet) at the moment by causing me to accidentally hit the “Home” Tab as I was just about to finish this entry, thus erasing it - not the first time such a tragedy has be-fallen yours truly and other blogger warriors on The Offside.
In any case, it’s time to justify the headline. New AEK Athens signing Ilie Iordache is better than Cristiano Ronaldo by virtue of the fact that:
- He now plays for AEK Athens
- He is Romanian and according to football generalizations 101, is somewhat talented
- Is not Cristiano Ronaldo
The Romanian international joins after having signed a three year deal alongside Costas Manolas, the nephew of not-so-happy Technical Director Stelios Manolas, with the move seeming to be more about repairing the relationship with the latter rather than squad building.
In any case, Iordache’s capture can hardly hurt a rather predictable midfield, while there have been continued links with defensive midfielder Grigorios Makos from Panionios, though Rafik Djebbour’s east-ward move hasn’t been updated; yours truly would be slightly disappointed if they Algerian were to leave however, being clearly talented but perhaps needing more patience in Athens…
The latest link has been with Ajax right-back and Romania international (It’s as if AEK have only just discovered the country existed) George Ogararu, who spent last season on-loan at Steaua Bucharest. There’s a video of the player being interviewed by Ajax below and he shows some decent touches and endeavour in it and most importantly given our recent failings, seems capable of taking penalties. Enjoy…
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsWhy AEK Athens Is More Important Than Cristiano Ronaldo
By: Chris Paraskevas | 4 Comments
It would be interesting to actually find out from Daryl whether the above headline attracted more than the usual hard-core element of this blog following - for all of you who were trapped into coming to this site for the first time by the name of the Portuguese ‘Peacock’ as one British tabloid so aptly described him, I welcome you!
Yes, yes it is a tad pathetic that I unashamedly used the CR7/CR9/CReal/CRPcock brand to trick you into it but in the modern football world, where morals are about as present as Newcastle United in the English Premier League, I say why the hell not…
Oh and if you were looking for a justification for as to why AEK Athens is more important than Cristiano Ronaldo, then prepare to be bitterly disappointed (though I will take requests to dedicate a separate blog to it).
Now, for all of you who have stuck around beyond the last paragraph, a real treat: an update on AEK’s transfer dealings! *Cue unbridled cyber-joy*
In comes Nikos Karabelas for what appears to be a free transfer from Aris - descriptions of the player on a resident Greek Soccer forum suggest he is solid but unspectacular, in keeping with the recent traditions of the club and from vague memories of his performances last year it might be an adequate description - while Romanian prodigy (or so Wikipedia would have you believe) Ilie Iordache has arrived in Athens and is set to sign.
Rafik Djebbour is set to exit meanwhile, with the most likely destination former club Panionios with promising midfielder Grigorios Makos going the other way (though reports had previously linked him with 1860 Munich).
And prepare for the greatest of indignities when Kostas Katsouranis finally is confirmed as a Panathinaikos player; the former AEK darling shouldn’t expect a particularly rosy reception when he faces his former club wearing green…
(Photo is of Iordache…)
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsMelissanidis Rejects AEK: Where Will Our Saviour Come From?
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
A bad week got a whole lost worse with the announcement from Oil tycoon Dimitris Melissanidis - supposed saviour of a financially troubled club - that he would not be taking a majority share in AEK Athens.
The former president of the club served to distance himself from rumours that have linked him with a return, citing “differences in philosophy” between himself and the current board and calling for “radical solutions and generous funding”.
All lovely sentiments but one wonders where such solutions and funding will now come from.
A few quotes from the Melissanidis himself (from www.sportingreece.com):
“Despite the high estimate I have for the people in the board, I have found there is a difference in our philosophy about football, in that I believe AEK need radical solutions and a generous funding to meet requirements for chasing the title and that a rational management of its revenues is not enough.
“After that and since my initiatives have not brought any results, I wish to state that there is absolutely no possibility of me returning to the club’s administration.”
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsNo Champions League, No Greek Cup, No Bajevic? AEK Athens Can’t Work Like This.
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
It was in the post-match reflections of AEK Athens manager Dusan Bajevic that the greatest insight into AEK Athens’ current plight can be made.
The Serbian tactician spoke of the fact that the club cannot continue in its current vein and that he would not be staying if changes are not made next season; clearly, the effects of the departure of two presidents within the space of a season, combined with the financial difficulties of the club, have all taken their toll.
The 2-0 play-off defeat at home to Panathinaikos, thus confirming the absence of UEFA Champions League football and a chance at the crucial financial windfall it brings, is merely the tip of the iceberg as far as AEK’s problems are concerned.
Whilst the performance was particularly disappointing and certainly not in the same vein as the stirring display against Olympiakos in that Greek Cup Final, it is a credit to Bajevic that the side have remained in contention for such prizes for this long in the season despite a conspicuous lack of depth and quality.
Yours truly had mentioned previously that the squad had potential but the fact remains that in its current state this squad can only consider the likes of Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Ismael Blanco and Ignacio Scocco of true class, with major reconstructing of the squad needed next season.
That of course will only come about within the scope of a larger administrative and financial change within the club, to which there doesn’t seem an immediate solution.
Bajevic’s post-match comments about the dissatisfaction with a season where the club have come so close but yet so far came alongside suggestions that he would be leaving if solutions aren’t found to some of its more pressing problems:
“AEK cannot work like that.”
Agreed.
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsA Huge Week
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
What a huge week it has been and could be, with the birth of a legend and hopefully the berth of a new era at AEK.
Perhaps the latter claim is a little bit premature given our current financial plight and the shambles that was this season but should Dusan Bajevic manufacture a win over Panathinaikos in the final game of the Greek Super League play-offs on Sunday, it would guarantee a chance of UEFA Champions League football next season.
That would bring with it a crucial financial windfall that might just help bankroll some summer spending and would present the Serbian manager with a true opportunity to rebuild the squad - and perhaps, the club - in his image, as well as sweetening AEK for any potential investors in the club (something it so desperately needs).
He will be boosted by the return of Sotiris Kyrgiakos, talisman and captain, to the heart of his defence; the former Panathinaikos player will need to bury the demons of a heartbreaking Greek Cup loss to Olympiakos and what better way to do it then with a crucial victory over his former club.
Birth Of A Legend
This week also brought with it news that goalkeeper Sebastian Saja had signed a new three year deal with the club, with whispers that he had even taken a pay-cut to stay as a result of AEK’s financial difficulties.
After the Argentine’s breakthrough season, one hopes that he will go on to become a legend at the club and his performances suggest a freakish ability - along with Scocco and Blanco, one of the shining lights of this season - and his signature is a massive coup for the club.
That same report of course, following up from reports all over Greece, have claimed that Panathinaikos have reached a deal with former AEK darling Kostas Katsouranis, now at Benfica.
It goes without saying that if he were to return to Greece wearing Green, it would not be taken lightly by AEKzites, with the club having apparently inserted a clause in his contract when he departed for Portugal that would ensure AEK were paid 5 million euro by Benfica if the player were to return to any other club in Greece.
Naturally, the Lisbon club have reportedly found a way around that clause, with AEK now taking the case to UEFA.
Watch this space during what should be a massive week.
PS. In a slightly more light-hearted tale, apparently Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost arrived late to an Inter Milan training session after a night out partying with fellow countryman and AEK defender Daniel Majstorovic (amongst some other rather colourful personalities…)
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsNo Place For Romance
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
If someone had asked me to choose between Champions League football next season and a Greek Cup, the more romantic side of me would have chosen the latter.
But, given the nature of the modern game, romance arguably has little value for a club that simply needs the money.
In any case, the prestige of Champions League football is far greater than than the Greek Cup and would surely entice potential investors over the summer more than a piece of silverware.
With that in mind, these next two play-off games away to Larissa and at home against Panathinaikos are perhaps the most important of the season; two victories will give us a chance at playing UCL Group stage football, with the assorted financial windfall and exposure giving the club a massive boost over the summer following a season where finances have been a major issue.
A draw in Larissa - Thessaly usually being a difficult place to travel to - and a win at home against Pana in the last match does leave it to chance somewhat but might give us first place by virtue of goal difference.
Ten Cate’s side host PAOK on Sunday, which would suggest a guaranteed three points going by the northern Greek side’s form against the Big Three this season - they have failed to take a single point - so a win for AEK is basically imperative.
That would lead into a massive final game at home against the Greens, in which a win would guarantee Champions League football next season - and go some way to banishing some painful memories from over the past season.
*Geraldo Alves and Pantelis Kafes have both been ruled out for this clash, with the latter’s absence likely to be felt in midfield. Talisman Sotiris Kyrgiakos remains injured.
Play-Off Table (Which to my understanding is decided on goal difference):
/ Team/ Goals For / Goals Against / Goal Difference / Points
1. Panathinaikos / 6 / 2 / +4 / 12
2. AEK Athens / 8 / 4 / +4 / 11
3. PAOK / 3 / 5 / -2 / 6
4. Larissa / 3 / 9 / -6 / 0
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsThere’s Potential Here
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
Without the services of Sotiris Kyrgiakos, AEK Athens produced one of their most impressive performances of the season to score what must be considered an upset 1-0 win against PAOK at Toumba.
Ignoring the fact that Fernando Santos’ men haven’t won a derby clash against any of the Big Three (AEK, Olympiakos, Panathinaikos) all season, it was a well-rounded performance from a side who struggled at home to Larissa in mid-week.
Of course, the presence of a world class striker whom the club will struggle to keep in Greece helps but one wonders whether there is potential for squad building if Dusan Bajevic is given the right resources over the summer.
Having said that, the victory was perhaps a product of industry rather than any particular advantage in quality, though Djebbour’s performance was impressive and Majstorovic continues to cap off a wonderful debut season in Greece.
Blanco’s goal was enough, though it probably should have been more against a PAOK side who were perhaps still reeling from the loss against Pana.
Improvements need to be made - and I’m off to a lecture - but it might not necessarily be all doom and gloom for AEKzites out there.
Keep the faith.
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsBittersweet
By: Chris Paraskevas | Add Comments
On the one hand, borderline depression and utter devastation at having woken up at 3:30 am with the belief that AEK could end a seven year trophy drought in what after eight minutes appeared might be circumstances as stunning as that famous 4-0 win over Olympiakos last season.
Blanco’s double strike again served to emphasize what belief can do to a side with discernible quality but who have at times appeared to lack motivation this season - the next 112 minutes highlighted the equally potent effects of a lack of it.
Where the time was right to kill off our opponents, Bajevic’s men showed a timidity that is always punished by the Piraeus club and a ruthlessness and resilience that has characterized their 13 and still-counting years of total dominance on the Greek domestic scene.
Initially having outwitted his opposite number Ernesto Valverde, Bajevic might have made himself a hero with all AEK fans had Sotiris Kyrgiakos perhaps have stayed on the pitch - his ensuing behaviour on the sideline after he was taken off with injury perhaps contributing to Derbyshire’s painful 96th minute equalizer but in truth, it was a bizarrely conservative approach to the final five minutes of extra time - with the scores level and the gavroi down to nine men - that cost AEK what should have been their famous Cup win.
From an objective standpoint though, Olympiakos are deserved winners of their 24th Greek Cup by virtue of their willingness to drive forward in attack and commit bodies forward, perhaps embodied best by their continuing attempts to hit AEK on the break despite having two men less at the end of the game.
And as much as penalties are indeed a lottery and possibly the most inappropriate way to end an epic tie, the fact remains that Valverde’s side appeared better-drilled and conspicuously more confident than there still-impressive opponents.
It would be easy to take a more emotional standpoint and speak poetically about injustice and the fact that both side should have won this match - but the fact remains that Olympiakos did so and did so deservedly.
My congratulations to them as I cling to bittersweet memories of my club - albeit on the losing side - being part of perhaps the greatest match in the history of Greek domestic football and certainly one that will live long in the memory of a generation of fans.
Category: AEK Athens Team NewsDrip-Drip-Drip…
By: Chris Paraskevas | 1 Comment
As we here in Australia enjoy what must be one of the most odd weather patterns in the entire universe (Jupiter included - and anyone vaguely familiar with Jupiter as I am realizes that we here in Australia mix it with the best in the Milky Way when it comes to weird whether) the familiar drip-drip-drip sound of the remnants of rain following an inexplicably sunny day becomes an immense
source of frustration to those who wish to retain a semblance of sanity: as is the universal truth across the human race, nothing can be more annoying than the constant sound of rain hitting some metallic object just outside of your bedroom window, or a tap that has been left unattended.
Perhaps that’s why Chinese Water Torture has developed something of a reputation as unbearable; but neither a political prisoner having to endure it, nor an alien life-form having to deal with Jupiter’s weather compares with the frustration of even keeping informed about AEK Athens.
A 1-0 home defeat against Aris is the last thing needed for yours truly whilst he has been struggling to find a logical reason to rouse himself at 2am for meaningless end-of-season matches. The rather pointless presence of the play-off series to decide European places next season offers no more excitement than an early holiday and the vast array of nonsensical transfer talk to come out of the Mediterranean.
What appears to have been an abject performance of which I only watched 20-or-so minutes before realizing that sleep patterns are slightly more important than Pantelis Kafes saw Koke score the winner in the first half, the only good news being that Juanfran has suffered a knee injury and might miss the Greek Cup Final against Olympiakos on May 2 (hah!).
All jokes aside, if someone could provide me for a sensible reason to keep watching this club function on a weekly basis, it would be much appreciated…
Drip-drip-drip
Category: AEK Athens Team News
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