Atromitos defying the odds again
In August, Atromitos’ season began with a heartbreaking UEFA Europa League defeat, however the Peristeri club recovered to make a superb start to the 2018/2019 Super League. AGONAsport investigates.
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The European journey failed to materialise. Having finished in a strong fourth position of the 2017/2018 Super League, Atromitos joined the UEFA Europa League at the second qualifying stage, however they were knocked out after conceding a last gasp goal to Belarusian outfit Dynamo Brest. Such bitter disappointment is always hard to overcome, but to their credit, Atromitos didn’t mope around. With the intelligent Damir Canadi at the helm, Atromitos have been the surprise package of the season so far, winning five out of six matches to occupy second place in the standings.
Many expected the departure of gifted Egyptian midfielder Amr Warda to demote Atromitos to mid-table status. In the previous season, Warda was named the Nova Sports’ Player of the Year, but despite his return to parent club PAOK, Atromitos have continued achieving admirable success on the pitch. The notable losses of Andreas Gianniotis, Nicolas Diguiny and Abiola Dauda haven’t had a negative effect on Atromitos either.
Instead, Canadi’s troops are rapidly improving. Boasting the ability to get the best out of his seemingly limited squad, 48-year old Canadi is helping Atromitos take the Super League by storm, beating Panetolikos, Lamia, AE Larissa, Levadiakos and PAS Giannina while drawing with Xanthi to claim second spot. If the team manage to defeat Asteras Tripolis in Peristeri on Monday, they will move into joint first position with PAOK, with the two teams set to meet on November 3.
Atromitos started the season with Nikola Mirkovic between the sticks, but after he left, Hungarian Balazs Megyeri was drafted in and he’s been solid as a rock. Aided by a reliable defence with the likes of Spyros Risvanis, Dimitris Chatziisaias and Dimitris Giannoulis, the 28-year old goalkeeper has only conceded the one goal in six Super League matches. Further forward, Brazilian Madson is in excellent form in the midfield, and PAOK loanee Efthymis Koulouris has been potent with an impressive four goals. Yet again, a player on loan from the Dikefalos tou Vorra is proving to be the difference.
When analysing Canadi’s statistics, it’s clear to see why Atromitos are so efficient. Since taking over the club in July 2017, the Austrian has managed 36 Super League games, tallying 20 wins, 12 draws, four defeats, 72 points and conceding a mere 22 goals. Canadi’s win percentage of 55.5% is the highest in Atromitos’ 95-year existence and the team simply wouldn’t be the same without his valuable expertise.
The upcoming five Super League games will be a massive test of Atromitos’ true potential. In five successive matches, they will play Asteras, Panionios, PAOK, AEK and Olympiacos, and a decent points haul will send out a resounding message that they’re ready for another top-four push. Never count Atromitos out.
