During the summer there was an air optimism around the club. The Alafouzos administration showed its willingness to try and compete, and they at least maintained the same policies finance-wise. Coach Giorgos Donis and [former] technical dorector Nikolas Dabizas had a bit more to complete the squad, and of course a year of experience working together behind them. Pre-season went reasonably well, with some impressive performances and big wins fueling the hopes and dreams of Greens fans.

But those hopes and dreams have come crashing back down to earth in the early part of the season with a record of eight matches and just eight points. Only two wins so far, both of them away to Atromitos and Panionios with 1-0 scorelines. There have been two draws against Lamia and Olympiacos, and a total of four defeats – against OFI Crete, Xanthi, Larissa and Aris, the latter a crushing 4-0 defeat in Thessaloniki.

Combining all of the above with the team’s disappointing style of play, it is clear that the summer plans did not go as well as it was thought. The players brought in, such as Perea, Fausto, Kolovou, Mollo, Bech, Nunes, Schenkeveld and Zahid have offered little, while regulars such as Dioudis, Johansson, Insua and Macheda have not been delivering the goods expected by Panathinaikos’ passionate supporters.

The first move made to try and change things was the recent removal of Dabizas, who was let go after his perceived failures in the transfer market, as well as the on-off transfer saga involving Chatzigiovanis, who eventually signed a new deal with the club. In their last match against Panachaiki of Patra in the Greek Cup, the Greens showed some significant signs of improvement.

The fact is that the Trifylli’s squad does have quality and plenty of talent. But it remains to be seen whether Donis can find a way to get his team playing as an effective unit. At present, it seems like a push for Europe is a step too far for the club, but then again, nothing is finished yet and that will be decided out on the pitch in the coming weeks and months.