An Open Letter to Panathinaikos Fans

An Open Letter to Panathinaikos Fans:


By: Antonios Theodosis 


We have all seen it, Panathinaikos have fallen to eternal rivals Olympiakos 3-0 in an embarrassing fashion this weekend. Emotions are running high, tensions as well. It is never a good feeling when you lose to your arch rival, especially in a thumping defeat. For many of us the derby of the eternal enemies is one that we look forward to with enthusiasm and excitement. Historically the two clubs have always put on a good show in these derbies. The quality on the pitch today was not what Panathinaikos fans wanted to see, neither was the result. It is something we quickly want to forget, but at the same time is stirring concern amongst the fans. 


There is light at the end of the tunnel. This current squad will for the most part be dismantled, a squad that does not necessarily exude the talent needed to compete with Olympiakos, PAOK, and AEK. This summer the club will be moving into a new chapter, one spearheaded by technical director Xavi Roca who so far has assembled a solid squad for the coming season. The new number nine Carlitos brings something new to the table compared to the outgoing Federico Macheda. The talented Spanish winger Aitor Cantalapiedra has shown a lot of promise after coming off of an impressive season in the Dutch Eredivisie. Furthermore, Roca is looking into strengthening the midfield and adding a new right back. The team will also see a fresh face take charge with Dani Poyatos assumed to take on the role. These are some much needed changes that will improve the overall quality of the team as well as raise some morale. This current squad have had their run and reached their ceiling. A scrappy, passionate squad that has finally started to see that passion and grit fizzle out.


Those of us that have been fans for some time can draw parallels to that of the disastrous 2012-2013 season which saw many fans and pundits assume that the club would be relegated the next season. That summer saw a complete overhaul of the squad with the appointment of a new head coach, Yannis Anastasiou and the addition of a new number nine and eventual fan favorite Marcus Berg. The club went on to have a successful season by winning the league cup and pulling off some impressive derby wins. This does not seem to be too far off of where the club is heading this summer, the club is overhauling the squad and adding in a new coach. The quality of the players added also seems to be quite promising as they are not too old, but also have experience playing in various leagues across Europe. This new chapter will be bringing something fresh and exciting to Panathinaikos fans next season. 


Finally, I would like to remind all of my fellow Panathinaikos fans that these low moments will not last forever. Panathinaikos is a giant in the world of Greek football and as is common within the sport, there are low points in every club’s history. The main thing to take away from these tough times is that those of us that remain loyal to the club right now during its lowest moments will be the happiest when the club reaches its former glory once again. Panathinaikos is more than a club, it is an idea, a name synonymous with success and prestige. Wear the trifili with pride and remember the rich history the club is glittered with.


We will get through this together. Pame Panathinaikos!


Hellas Football


Follow @antoniostheo on Instagram


(Photo listed as labeled for reuse. Taken from Wikipedia) 

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