Panathinaikos Mid Season Review 2019/2020

Signs of improvement offer optimism but much more is needed from Panathinaikos

By Nick Tsambouniaris

Panathinaikos deservedly sit directly in mid-table over the winter break. After a slow start, results and overall performances have improved but the reality is more is required if the team is to finish not only in the top 6, but also obtain a European spot (to erase the ban for next season).

After a shocking opening three games, the Greens had conceded 8 goals. Things had to change and to Giorgos Donis' credit, he has since made the team much harder to break down and the defensive solidity is evident in the team's record after the 4-0 away loss at Aris. In the ensuing 13 games, the team has only leaked 8 goals. This is a record that title-challenging teams would be proud of.

Sokratis Dioudis remains as consistent as ever and was man of the match in successive derbies against PAOK and AEK, but the real improvement is in the back line. Donis stripped things down and went back to basics. Achilleas Poungouras is being tracked by John van't Schip for a spot in the Ethniki squad and Bart Schenkeveld has been a revelation after settling in. The Dutchman is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can build attacks from the back, he is strong in the air thanks to his height and has a great positional awareness. It is a shame he joined late in the summer and needed more time to adapt, and regain match fitness. Dimitris Kolovetsios is experienced at this level and offers reliability. On top of this, both full back positions are well-stocked.

Intriguingly, the team has picked up 5 points from derbies against Olympiacos, PAOK and AEK (they have not lost one yet). This highlights consistency is the issue for the Trifylli. In these matches, different approaches were taken to restrict their more illustrious opponents. They suffocated the Reds out of the game before picking up a dseserved point courtesy of a late penalty, then they frustrated PAOK at Toumba for large spells and scored two goals by pouncing on the home side's mistakes (this killer instinct has been lacking in other games).

The highlight of the season to date came against AEK at OAKA. The Enosi were leading 0-2 at the interval but were stunned by an incredible second half fightback which saw Panathinaikos win 3-2. Federico Macheda started the comeback via a great solo goal and top finish with his weaker left foot. Juan Jose Perea equalised by latching onto a great low cross from Tasos Chatzigiovanis. Kolovetsios came off the bench to score the winner off a corner but refused to celebrate against his former employers. Regardless, this sparked wild scenes in the stands and on the side lines.

If only the team would display this hunger and desire to win in all matches, not just the derbies. Panathinaikos has dropped points to the likes of Panetolikos, Volos, Lamia and Xanthi to name a few. Donis needs to instill this mentality into the squad but the players must also take responsibility for this. In the big games, the effort is there for all to see, but it goes missing in these games.

Additionally, finding a way to break down these lesser sides remains an issue. Teams enjoy success when they sit deep and hit on the counter, affording Panathinaikos little space in the final third. Donis is yet to find the magic formula in the final third and the lack of cutting edge is evident. Macheda has been a disappointment in his second season at the club as the Italian striker only has 5 goals to his name, and three of those have come from the penalty spot... More is needed in 2020 from Macheda as he is the main goal scoring threat for the club.

Finding the back of the net has been an issue for the team overall. They have only scored 16 goals in 16 matches to date. Not good enough for a team that has top 6 aspirations. Donis has chopped and changed players and formations but it is not having the desired effect. He has tried giving Macheda support by playing Perea next to him up front. Ghayas Zahid could prove to be the difference now that he is fully fit after recovering from injury. The Norwegian international flourished operating as an attacking midfielder in the hole and has an eye for goal.

January looms as a crucial month for the club as it needs to offload out of favour players in the form of Yohan Mollo, Uffe Bech, Fausto Tienza and Panos Armenakas. Even though they only joined in the summer, Mollo is heading for an early exit due to his poor attitude and Bech is too injury prone. Dimitris Kolovos is another summer signing that has flattered to deceive. Before picking up an injury, the Greek international had no goals or assists.

Therefore, offloading these players is vital to free up funds for new technical director Xavi Roca to find a winger and midfielder that are capable of an unlocking a packed defence. Chatzigiovanis has been solid since regaining his place in the team after signing a new deal but another winger is sorely needed.

Perea has been among the players' of the season so far for the Greens. The Colombian forward was virtually an unknown when he was signed from the youth setup at FC Porto. He possesses a hunger to win and succeed, this is evident when he literally chases every single ball and presses. He does not stop running and his non-stop energy has been rewarded by already scoring twice. He also backs his own abilities and can find the back of the net. Despite being only 19, he has been a major hit in his first season at senior level. Perhaps partnering Argiris Kampetsis alongside Perea could offer something different as the Greens go in search of more goals. Kampetsis has not received a proper opportunity and a competition for spots could be what Macheda needs to reignite his season.

Overall, there is still a lot to play for and anything can happen. Converting those draws against the lesser sides will be key, as will finding ways to break down stubborn defences. Additionally, maintaining a strong record in derbies will be pivotal in picking up those extra points to climb up the ladder.

Hellas Football


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