AEK will do it as long as Giannikis can

Victory over PAS Giannina was a result that AEK undoubtedly needed after previous defeats in the cup and league derby. However, they were different than usual. They “hurt” just as much, mostly because they were recorded in the final minutes of games that, when they played out, didn’t predict such a bad turn. However, there was a continuation in her image, which gives points to Argyris Giannikis in the atmosphere of intensity and intense criticism.

After the exclusion from PAOK and the defeat against Olympiakos, the tones have dropped significantly. There haven’t been any major changes, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen anytime soon. According to the report, Dimitris Melissanidis is in contact with people who could possibly support a different plan for next season, either changing everything or strengthening the existing structures. But no decisions were made.

The same applies to the coach. For example, it is logical that there is a strong desire to work with Fernando Santos – or to a similar extent – when he becomes available early next April, but until then Giannikis will be the one leading the team.

At least that is the wish from above. In summary, the current coach of the “Union” always has a reasonable amount of time to show that the situation has improved with the work done. A good sign of this is the longer duration in terms of intensity and endurance that it shows in matches.

What is awarded to him and the upcoming triad of games

AEK is now out of the goals they set as a priority -theoretically always- at the start of each season. In fact, by beating PAS and losing Panathinaikos, she has created points differences that – theoretically at least – give her a clear advantage in order not to jeopardize the most obvious acquis of recent years, namely participation in a European tournament. However, in order to keep the boat on a stable course without further breakdowns and scary upheavals, the team must meet the coming demands well: Panathinaikos gone, PAOK inside and Asteras Tripolis at home, within 8 days.

Giannikis has its own relievers, which are recognized correctly. The team’s reinforcements to positions they needed last January did not materialize amid successive losses of key players, either to Covid or injuries. Agreed, everyone faces their problems, but without serious additions and with key players (Stankovic, Vranjes, Araujo, Amrabat) losing games, the problem for AEK swelled with bad breezes and constant grumbling.

At AEK and especially in the mind of the person making the decisions, Giannikis remains the one who is less responsible for what happens in the team. He certainly expects things on the field, a continuation of efforts, improvements on several levels and, above all, results that will help the coach himself to get on his feet better, work and fight his fights with less stress. The next three games are the perfect opportunity to turn a game that looks lost. So everything on the field …