Sotiris Antoniou is officially the coach of Panathinaikos second team

It has been known for a long time that Sotiris Antoniou will succeed Yasminko Velits at Panathinaikos II, and he also took over the training of the Greens for ten days. The 47-year-old technician was officially announced on Monday (24/10).

The relevant announcement states:

“PAE Panathinaikos announces the start of its collaboration with Sotiris Antoniou, who will take over the technical direction of the second Trifyllios team.

The new Panathinaikos B coach was born on September 10, 1975 in Larissa. As a footballer, he started his career as a central midfielder at Apollon Larissa while he played in the senior team from 1997 to 2001 with the shirt of Xanthi, scoring 80 appearances and 1 goal.

This was followed by stints at Apollon Kalamarias, Fostira, Ethniki Asteras, Corfu, PAS Ioannina, Trikala – twice – and Doxa Drama while ending his career at Eordaikos.

The coaching career of Sotiris Antoniou, who holds a UEFA Pro diploma, is equally rich. His first stop was AEL Kallonis while the sequel found him on the benches of Eordaikos, Panileiakos, Panachakis, Panileiakos again, Dotiea Agias, Panargeiakos, Sparta and Trikala.

On March 12, 2018, he signed a contract with AEL, who competed in the Super League, while on August 6, 2019, he took over for Lamia, also competing in the Big category. He continued at Levadeiakos, went to Cyprus on behalf of the Paralimni Union with Rhodes being his final stop in Super League 2 last season.

We welcome Sotiris to the Panathinaikos family.

After signing the contract, the 47-year-old coach gave his first interview on Panathinaikos’ official website.

Panathinaikos B takes its first steps, counting only two years “of life”, while you have rich experience. How can this combination work?

“First of all I’m very happy and very honored to be part of the big family of Panathinaikos, a very big club. The project I’m doing with young and talented kids is very interesting and with the experience I have, I am called to use “my achievements” from Super League 1 and Super League 2 to help these guys understand what is really needed. To be ready for the Panathinaikos first team. I think we can help each other .”

You faced the team as opponents last year, while you already have an image of them from previous friendlies. What are your first conclusions?

“Basically it’s a team that has a lot of kids with a year full of games from Super League 2. Also, they’re a year older and have more experience. Of course, the A group championship is different from the B’ this year. That The goal is for these kids to change levels so that an extra hour of hard work is enough to knock on the first team’s door.The conditions and the tools are there.

In terms of competitive identity and goals, what can we expect from Panathinaikos B and what will you be happy with at the end of the season?

“We represent a very big club called Panathinaikos. Therefore, this year’s squad should have the same identity as the one bringing the first team onto the pitch. Dominant football, substance and championship, that’s what we want.” I’m satisfied when I know that the players have worked and developed, that all the lads have a winning mentality and are playing championships at the same time.”