More problems brewing at troubled AEK

Problems are brewing at AEK following the disastrous Super League defeat to Panathinaikos, with Marko Livaja facing plenty of criticism for his behaviour.

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AEK simply cannot stay away from trouble. The Miguel Cardoso disaster, the failure in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers, the unprofessional behaviour of Ognjen Vranjes, derby misery...the list of problems is continuing to expand with alarming speed. At the weekend, AEK were well on the way to a potentially vital win at Panathinaikos, but the Kitrinomavri inexplicably squandered a 2-0 lead to eventually lose 3-2. A defeat which has practically ruled AEK out of the Super League title race as they now trail leaders Olympiacos by nine points.

The antics of star forward Marko Livaja have been called into particular question.

Livaja, who has been in excellent form for AEK so far this season, was far from his best against Panathinaikos and was seen ironically applauding Nelson Oliveira after the Portuguese forward opted to shoot rather than pass:

Despite his underwhelming play, the hotheaded Croat wasn’t substituted by Nikos Kostenoglou. AEK supporters have taken to social media to criticise Livaja’s attitude.

Captain Petros Mantalos notably mentioned that ‘selfishness was a big reason’ why AEK lost to Panathinaikos on Sunday. Fans of AEK then engaged in a heated discussion with the players in the hotel after the defeat against the Prasini.

On Monday, AEK technical director Ilija Ivic stated that players who don’t want to be at the club are able to leave: “There are some players who are bringing the team down. I don’t understand this, because anyone who doesn’t want to be here can go. We have no problem with finding other players if some of you leave.”

Reports have stated that the board isn’t considering firing Kostenoglou yet. However, if results continue to move in the wrong direction, that could all change. It’s also worth remembering that Vranjes is currently frozen out of the first team because of his actions on social media after the match against Olympiacos.

AEK are in third place of the Super League table with 17 points from 10 games. The Enosi have conceded at least two goals in their last four consecutive league matches.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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