AEK Welcome Back Bajevic

By: Chris Paraskevas | November 22nd, 2008

In cooperation with Goal.com:

At a press conference at the OAKA Spiros Louis Stadium on Friday afternoon, AEK’s caretaker presidents Nikos Koulis and Takis Kanellopoulos both extended warm welcomes to the Serbian manager, who succeeds the now-departed Giorgios Donis.

In a separate statement on the club’s website, it was confirmed that Bajevic has signed a two-and-a-half year deal.

Speaking for the first time – for the third time – as AEK manager, Bajevic was quoted by Sport 24 as he covered a range of issues including the squad he has inherited, his ambitions for the remainder of what has so far been a difficult season, the possibility of a return to the club’s symbolic home ground – the Nikos Goumas Stadium at Nea Philadelphia – and about his well-documented relationship with the fans.

So close but yet…

It was only a few days ago, however, that Bajevic was being heavily linked with a move to struggling Asteras Tripolis, who had apparently been in talks with the 60 year-old.

He admitted as much in what was a relatively transparent press conference, speaking about how close he was to a move to signing with the Arcadian club – who have since hired former AEK caretaker Nikos Kostenoglou.

“I had spoken to Asteras about something.” Bajevic said.

“In the telephone conversation I had with you I had told you that I wanted to work at Asteras but we were unable to reach an agreement during our second meeting.”

United Front

Despite a fractured history with the club that he twice walked out on in equally controversial circumstances, Bajevic’s opening address was laden with messages calling for a united effort from all.

“We must all together strive to make AEK great.” Bajevic said.

“We must strive so that AEK can be in the best position possible.”

The former Yugoslalvia international was realistic about his side’s immediate chances of success: “This year I can’t promise anything but we will strive to build a team that can reach high.”

Although he conceded he hadn’t expected to return to AEK for a third time in the past, Bajevic highlighted former AEK player, doctor and president, Lakis Nikolaou, as one of the main influences in his return: “He reminded me of the old days and made me want to again try harder.

“I have strong feelings for AEK and that makes me stronger still and obliges me to do my best.”

Rebuilding Phase

It has been fourteen years since AEK have won a Greek title – under Bajevic in 1994 – and a full six years since their last trophy win of any kind – a Greek Cup victory in 2002.

Faced with the threat of relegation to the lower leagues of Greek football as a result of their financial and administrative hell of recent years, the Athenian club have failed to sustain a consistent threat to the dominance of rivals Olympiakos.

Currently eight points away from leaders Olympiakos – a considerable lead for the defending champions, even at this early stage of the season – Bajevic suggested that the Greek Cup might be a slightly more realistic target than the league title. For now, at least.

“We are currently in a bad position that we need to get out of.” He said.

“We will certainly try to win the Cup.

“I don’t want the team to be under any pressure to come first in the league but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to try.

“We will chase – AEK can reach great heights and will reach great heights.”

Arguably Greek domestic football’s most successful ever manager, Bajevic is discerning enough to identify the need for a rebuilding process at a delicate time for the club.

“We will strive to build a team that in the coming years will play for and win the league.

“At the moment, results are needed first and then quality.

“We must improve a psychology that is low at the moment.”

Home Sweet Home

The Nikos Goumas Stadium at Nea Philadelphia has become something of a perpetual symbol of happier times for AEK Athens, a never-ending nostalgia for fans who might have remembered famous European nights at the now demolished football cathedral.

Home to AEK for 70 years, the icon is one that is inevitably linked to Bajevic, who enjoyed success their as a player and manager.

Speaking about the sill undeveloped former stadium, which has been subject to a number of unfulfilled plans over the years, Bajevic displayed a feeling that will be familiar to many involved with the club.

“It is my home because as a player and a manager I lived here.” He said.

“I’m not the only one who wants a stadium at Nea Philadelphia – there are a lot of others who want it there.”

Apology Accepted?

Bajevic, who twice left AEK endured a tense relationship with supporters that forced him out of the club after he suffered concentrated abuse from sections of the fan-base during his second spell in 2002, touched on the rather sensitive issue of his initial departure from the club in 1996.

It was then that he moved to Olympiakos and inspired them to a decade-long dominance of Greek football that continues to this day and it is a move that certain fans are arguably yet to forgive him for.

“I have said sorry to whoever I aggrieved and I say sorry again to everyone.” Bajevic said.

“I hurt them a lot.”

However, he maintained that respect and forgiveness was mutual, given the harassment he suffered both on and off the pitch during a tumultuous second spell at the club starting in 2002: “I also ask for forgiveness, for my family who had to hear everything that was said against me.

“We can’t afford to talk about it now though. We all love AEK. We need to forget the good and the bad and look forward.

“It isn’t hard for anyone to say sorry – we ask for forgiveness every day.”

Bajevic will lead AEK out on Sunday, when they travel to Crete to face an OFI side who have recently appointed Ioannis Matzourakis as their new manager, following the departure Frantisek Straka.