Panathinaikos’ first step to return to competition

Last but not least, the image of Panathinaikos in the game against Real Madrid exceeded expectations. At least those that arose after the end of the 2022 Super Cup, in which – the truth is – Dejan Radonić’s side had a lot of problems. But how could it be otherwise when we’re talking about a squad with ten new players, some of whom just entered the training program a few days before?

Still, the way Panathinaikos acted at the OAKA premiere gave plenty of reason to smile. It could be said that this isn’t synonymous with such great organization (that is, the smile after defeat), but in fact the road to a return to competitive normality can be built on top of games like this.

The first consideration is performance

Panathinaikos can’t win such games in an instant. At least not permanently. It takes time to get the train onto the circuits that Dejan Radonic wants and to acquire the know-how from similar situations when the time comes.

At this point, after a traumatic two years, the first demand on the manager and players is performance. That is, improving week-to-week, building partnerships (defensively and offensively), and tracking progress made through training.

Victories in “close matches” and “reading” situations are brought in a second time. At the moment, Panathinaikos has to prove to itself that it’s getting better overall.

The Glass of Panathinaikos

72 points against Kolossos, 52 points against Olympiakos and 68 points in the EuroLeague opener with Real Madrid are not numbers that demonstrate the perfection of the green attack. Nor do they give the impression that vertical advancement will occur over the course of this year’s competitive season.

This particular reading is done by those who see the glass as half empty. There is one more related to the low pace of the games and the opponent’s productivity (67 the Colossus, 67 Olympiacos, 71 Real Madrid), affecting those who see the glass as half full.

How you read the situation is subjective and depends on what you want to focus on. But have you considered all the parameters for a moment before coming to your conclusion?

The percentage is a result of selection

Since the conversation about the Panathinaikos glass, the ineffectiveness of Marius Grigonis in the games against Olympiakos (0/9 shots) and Real Madrid (2/14 shots) has already become a topic of discussion. But before anyone doubts the quality and leadership of the 28-year-old security guard – he has proven it – it would be good to calculate how each shot he took came about.

Quite simply because a large proportion of the shots found are not due to ball circulation, leading to an imbalance in the opposing defense and therefore free shots. Everything else. Marius Grigonis is forced (sic) to execute after a dribble in defense at the end of possession. So in inherently more difficult situations than where it’s (demonstrably) effective.

One could say that it “pays off” to some extent for the lack of competitive (offensive) chemistry and automation, which will bring free shots. At the same time, he seems to extort the possessions he takes on certain occasions, looking for a way to pull the plug.

The fact that he made his cross after the (unique) treble he scored against Real Madrid explains all that is needed. Words are superfluous.

The Battle of Belgrade

After such a demanding game as the one against Real Madrid, it’s time for the away test against Red Star. An opponent that ‘fits in’ with Panathinaikos very well, being close to Panathinaikos in terms of philosophy and competitive direction, at least at the start of the season.

So prepare yourself for a game with a lot of contact, little possession and a lot of (sporting) intensity. What is best for the greens at this point in time?

A dogfight they can get more comfortable with. Especially if they manage to emerge victorious from Stark Arena.

View game night: