Donis gives indication that he will remain at Panathinaikos
Giorgos Donis gives the clearest indication yet that he will stay at Panathinaikos, meanwhile, the team looks set to remain at OAKA for another season.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV!
Reports had surfaced just before the conclusion of the regular season that Giorgos Donis may leave Panathinaikos at the end of this season, as he would not have control in any of the summer signings. Instead, it would be Xavi Roca and Giannis Alafouzos in control.
However, the former Panathinaikos player has given the clearest indication yet that he will remain on the Greens’ bench for next season. Recent reports had linked him to staying as Xavi Roca is a huge fan of his work to date, even though he was meant to have a ‘clear the air’ meeting with Alafouzos.
Speaking to ART, Donis stated that he “will not easily throw away two years of hard work.” This has been the clearest message to date regarding his future as it can be observed that he is still determined to fulfilling the project he started in 2018, which involved primarily developing Academy graduates.
The 50-year-old will stay at the Trifylli if he is satisfied with the level of cooperation from the owner and technical director. He will wait to meet with Alafouzos once the situation surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic improves. Donis will look to establish Alafouzos’ intentions for next season in terms of the budget and contract renewals. Should he be satisfied with the outcome of this meeting, he will stay.
Donis has done a tremendous job stabilising Panathinaikos over the last two seasons and, in turn, seeing the team rise up the ladder into the top-four. Fostering the development of young players has been at the centre of his vision as it will make the club more self-sustainable in the long-term. The club will have no reliance on spending big in the transfer market, and these players could attract large offers from abroad should they remain consistent.
This positive development should keep the playing squad happy as they have bought into his plan, and they want to see it out with him.
OAKA expected to be called home for another season
Meanwhile, there have been further developments on where the team will be hosting its home matches next season. Before the Coronavirus outbreak, all signs pointed to a return to the club’s spiritual home of Leoforos. However, the situation has changed, and the team looks set to remain at OAKA.
This is purely down to the financial consequences. A return to Leoforos is thought to significantly impact the club’s budget heading into the new season as several upgrades to make the stadium functional would be required, such as a new turf. All the upgrades would exceed one million EUR, and during these tough economic times, it is unlikely any wealthy friend or fan of the club will be willing to assist.
Leoforos brings a hotter and more intense atmosphere, which undoubtedly helps the team in every match, and Alafouzos appeared to be willing to shift the team back to its headquarters, but the Coronavirus pandemic will keep the team at OAKA for at least another season.
