One of the Best - Krzysztof Warzycha
The Polish international was signed by the Greens in 1989 after winning the League and becoming top scorer in his native country with Ruch Chorzow. It is safe to say no one could have foreseen the success he would have in the famous Green and the reputation he left behind. His influence was so immense that he deserves to come into contention as one of the greatest Panathinaikos players ever.
He celebrated 5 League titles (1990, 1991, 1995, 1996 and 2004) and 5 Greek Cups (1991, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 2004). This highlights his longevity and consistency as a leading marksman. The fact that his Panathinaikos career spanned from 1989 right up until 2004 says it all.
Strikers, however, are judged on how many goals they score and Warzycha certainly delivered on that front. He is the leading goal scorer in Panathinaikos history with an astounding 319 goals. When you consider the state of modern football, that is a figure that will more than likely never be matched.
His finest hour with the Trifylli on his chest came in the 1995-96 UEFA Champions League semi final first leg at the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium against Ajax, where he scored a late winner to give the Greens a famous 0-1 away win. Panathinaikos fans dared to dream, however, Ajax won the second leg in Greece 0-3 and advanced to the Final at the expense of Panathinaikos. The club failed to exact revenge for the European Cup final loss at Wembley 2 decades earlier but from a personal viewpoint, it was this moment that practically “made” Warzycha a Panathinaikos icon. It was also Ajax’s first home loss in 4 years. He scored 6 goals in the campaign and up until the 2012-13 season he was the top Polish scorer in the UEFA Champions League until Robert Lewandowski beat his superb record.
His playing career came to an end in 2004, but in 1998 he attained Greek citizenship. A major criticism levelled at many foreign signings is the fact they do not understand the weight of the club’s shirt that they represent, the fact that Warzycha got citizenship once again says it all. He understood what Panathinaikos stood for and adapted to the Greek way of life. One cannot help but think this played a major part in his success in Greece. Going forward, all Greek clubs should use Warzycha as an example when looking abroad to bolster their squads.
He had the quality and mentality to succeed. For the state of the League to improve in this day in age, these are the types of additions that need to be made from abroad, not the washed-up journeyman looking for one last paycheque who take the place of a younger and hungrier Greek player.
Going back to Warzycha, after retiring he got into coaching and was assistant coach at Panathinaikos under the reign of Nikos Nioplias, before going solo at 5 clubs. Additionally, he ran for Greek local elections in 2014.
By Nick Tsambouniaris for Hellas Football
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