Rival analysis: Atromitos profile
The next test: Atromitos. Paokfc.gr’s Rival Analysis column puts the magnifying glass on this weekend’s opponents, giving you the lowdown on everything you need to know about the Athens club ahead of our Super League Interwetten contest.
In the summer, the team from the Western suburbs of Athens started the season with big dreams and ambitions, as it strengthened the squad with some top quality players. The goal was to return to the upper echelons of the league standings and participate in the Play Offs. These ambitions, however, quickly turned out to be unrealistic, as the course of the team was not in line with expectations.
After 19 games (as three postponed matches are pending), Atromitos have collected 13 points, and lie second from bottom with a record of 12 defeats, four draws and just three wins. They also have the worst defense in the league, along with Panetolikos, with 38 goals conceded.
The Peristeri team were inactive for about two weeks (defeat by Ionikos on January 29) before prevailing 3-1 over Lamia, a result that has given them a psychological boost, and of course they will need that ahead of a difficult schedule with eight matches in 24 days!
Changes
In their attempt to save the season, Atromitos have made changes. As usual in cases where teams are not doing well, comes a change in the technical leadership. Thus, George Parashos gave way to Chris Coleman. The Welsh coach is of course well known to the Greek public since his move to AEL in hte past and his successful tenure with his country’s national team.
In terms of personnel, Atromitos acquired the 23-year-old Swedish international midfielder, Jan August Erlingmark from Gothenburg, 26-year-old Dorin Rotariou on loan from Ludogorets, 26-year-old goalkeeper Marc Marni from Kayserispor, Giorgos Tzovaras from Niki Volou, and Adil Nabi from OFI. The only departure was Brazilian Lucas Galvao.
The squad for trip to Toumba
For the match against PAOK, Coleman is without the suspended Koulouris and Muniz, but Strougis is also sidelined.
The squad includes the following players:
Gianniotis, Marits, Saltas, Kivrakidis, Vasilantonopoulos, Papadopoulos, Chatziisaias, Mavrommatis, Kastegiano, Tzovaras, Erlingmark, Denic, Kartalis, Harisis, Salomon, Nabi, Daviotis, Rotarinou, Spiridonović, Bentineli, Alibec, Tzavidas, KLonaridis.
