Djebbour signs ahead of PAO clash

By: Chris Paraskevas | August 31st, 2008

I am relieved to announce the addition of at least one new face to the AEK roster for this season, with the acquisition of Rafik Djebbour from Panionios for a fee rumoured to be around the €3 million mark.

Whether the Algerian will command a role during tonight’s crucial derby match against Panathinaikos is another story but the arrival of a quality striker is a bitter-sweet one for AEKtizes to swallow, as the absence of any legitimate threat from open play was conspicuous against Omonia and appears to have cost us European football this season.

Still, better late than never.

Whether Djebbour’s arrival gives the squad that competitive edge needed to challenge for the Protathlima will have to stand the test of time but it certainly doesn’t hurt our chances.

Incidentally, coinciding with the arrival of the former Sochaux man is the belated departure of Panagiotis Kone, whose off-the-pitch fracas with Lagos appears to have been the catalyst for a move away from the OAKA this season. It is a disappointing conclusion to a career which had initially showed some promise, with the youngster thriving under former mananger Serra Ferrer in particular. His move to Iraklis was confirmed by the club in a separate statement.

Onto tonight’s match - the importance of which cannot be understated - the likes of Kyrgiakos and Basinas simply must be at their peak if the Kitrinomavri are to have any chance of upending that other team whose name pertaining to certain qualities shall not be uttered.

Whilst AEK fans won’t be filled with the greatest of confidence after a disjointed pre-season and unceremonious dumping from the UEFA Cup, anything is possible in a derby match (particularly in Greece).

If there is truly a time for AEK players to stand-up and be counted, it is now, in the most important match of the year. A win confirms our status as title contenders and brings a resurgent Panathinaikos crashing back to earth and should kick-start their characteristic self-implosion. A loss sends us plunging further into the depths of administrative and footballing Hades.

FORZA AEK!