How our new recruits are fairing so far 24/25

We are at the halfway point & it's time to look at all the personnel brought in & rate how they have fared so far & grade them. Please note, this article includes transfers this season

Tete - 9/10

The transfer of the 24-year-old Brazilian winger, Tete, from Galatasaray to Panathinaikos for approximately €7 million has proven to be a surprising and spectacular signing. His performances have lit up both the European and domestic fronts. Tete has contributed significantly with 8 goals & 1 assist across all competitions, notably scoring the crucial second goal against Lens.

Tete's integration into the team has been swift and impactful, indicating that Panathinaikos has potentially found a gem in the transfer market. His contributions will be pivotal as they continue in their campaigns, both in Europe & in domestic leagues, aiming to capitalise on his speed, finishing, & ability to link play. However, enhancing his decision-making in front of goal could elevate his performance to an even higher level.

Pellistri - 7/10

The transfer of Facundo Pellistri from Manchester United to Panathinaikos was somewhat unexpected, facilitated by his previous connection with manager Diego Alonso. Although Pellistri has not yet become a dominant force in the league, his recent performances indicate he's beginning to find his footing as he secures more playing time. Pellistri has managed to notch up 2 goals & 2 assists, which shows he's contributing to the team's scoring efforts even if not at the forefront. He finds himself behind established players like Tete & the in-form Filip Djuricic in the pecking order. This competition is likely pushing him to elevate his game. Despite not setting the league ablaze initially, Pellistri's recent showings suggest he's growing into his role, displaying more threat & form. His dynamic play and ability to contribute both in attack and defense are becoming more evident.

Ingason - 7.5/10

Ingason arrived from FC Midtjylland with significant expectations, given his reputation as one of the elite defenders in the Greek Super League during his time with PAOK. His transfer was seen as a move to bolster the backline of Panathinaikos. The defense under Diego Alonso initially struggled, reflecting broader team adjustments to a new managerial style & system. Ingason, often referred to as "the Viking," has since played a pivotal role in turning around the defensive record. His partnership with Jedvaj has been crucial in forging what is now considered the best defense Panathinaikos has had this season. Ingason's contributions have been vital in reshaping Panathinaikos' defensive line, proving his worth from his days at PAOK & living up to the high expectations set upon his arrival. His role in enhancing the team's defensive solidity illustrates why he was a sought-after signing.

Philipp Max - 1/10

Philipp Max was signed with the aim of challenging for the starting left-back position, but his tenure so far has been marred by fitness issues. With a notable background, having played for clubs like PSV Eindhoven & Eintracht Frankfurt, & earning caps for the German national team, expectations were high for Max to add competition & quality to Panathinaikos's defense. Instead of competing for a starting role, Max has spent considerable time on the physio table, dealing with various injuries. This has significantly hampered his ability to showcase his skills and integrate into the team. His frequent absences due to injury have meant that Filip Mladenovic has held onto the left-back position without much challenge. Max's inability to stay fit has been a disappointment, as he was expected to bring both experience & competition to the squad. In summary, Philipp Max's stint at Panathinaikos has been less about football and more about recovery from injuries. The hope is that the winter break will provide him the opportunity to address these concerns & start fulfilling the potential that led to his signing.

Ounahi 7.5/10

Ounahi's loan transfer from Marseille to Panathinaikos on the transfer deadline was unexpected, especially since he opted for Panathinaikos over other rivals. His initial integration into the team under Diego Alonso was slow, with the Moroccan international being deployed in various roles to find his best fit. At the beginning of his stint, Ounahi struggled to make an immediate impact, often used in positions that didn't fully leverage his strengths. With the arrival of Rui Vitoria, Ounahi has begun to flourish. The new manager's tactical setup has allowed Ounahi to play in a role more suited to his skills, enhancing his confidence & class on the pitch. Ounahi's journey from a tentative loan signing to a player showing signs of becoming indispensable underlines the importance of managerial fit & patience with new signings. His performances under Rui Vitoria suggest that his best is yet to come, potentially justifying a permanent transfer if his trajectory continues upward.

Maksimovic 7/10

Maksimovic, the Serbian international, was signed on a free transfer with his move to Panathinaikos announced early in 2024, choosing the Greek club over Sevilla. There was considerable excitement about his arrival, given his reputation as a dynamic midfielder. Under Diego Alonso, Maksimovic seemed out of place, struggling to adapt to the tactical setup & not fully expressing his capabilities. With the transition to Rui Vitoria's management, Maksimovic has undergone a transformation. He's now recognised as a no-nonsense central midfielder, showing his true potential and forming a solid partnership with Arao in the heart of the midfield. His partnership with Arao has become a cornerstone of Panathinaikos's midfield, providing both defensive solidity & a platform for attacks. His decision to join Panathinaikos over Sevilla now looks like a masterstroke for both the player & the club.

George Nikas - n/a

Georgios Nikas joined Panathinaikos as a free agent from Levadiakos with the aim of bolstering the midfield's depth. However, his impact has been minimal due to the limited playing time he's received. His future contributions & potential performance rating will depend greatly on whether he can earn more opportunities to play and showcase his skills.

George Baldock - RIP

The tragic loss of George Baldock, who joined Panathinaikos as a significant signing & a Greek international, has left a deep impact on the club and its supporters. His sudden passing has been felt profoundly by the Panathinaikos community. The thoughts & prayers of the Panathinaikos family continue to be with the Baldock family, reflecting the close-knit nature of the football community in times of tragedy. Baldock was not just a player but someone who quickly became beloved by the fans & teammates alike. His memory is honored in every game, keeping his spirit alive within the club.

Managers

Diego Alonso - 4/10

Diego Alonso's arrival at Panathinaikos was met with skepticism due to his previous managerial record. However, he managed to rally support during his press conference by articulating his vision for the team, which initially garnered fan backing. Pre-season performances were disappointing, setting a tone of concern among supporters and analysts.

Despite the pre-season, Alonso led Panathinaikos to a commendable European qualification phase. The team was eliminated by Ajax on penalties in the Europa League qualification despite winning away, showcasing potential. They managed to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League by overcoming tough opposition, notably defeating Lens despite being underdogs. In the Conference League, they had mixed results, including a significant defeat to Chelsea at home. In the Greek Super League, Alonso's time was marked by poor form, with only draws and losses in key derbies. The overall league performance was underwhelming. Alonso left with an average of 1.44 points per game, which was the lowest among coaches in the last decade at Panathinaikos, excluding the brief tenure of Poyatos.

Rui Vitoria 9/10

Rui Vitoria stepped in as a replacement for Diego Alonso, immediately setting out to implement the strategies he outlined in his introductory press conference—controlling matches through possession and structured play. His tenure has been remarkably successful so far;

Overall: Since his appointment, Vitoria has overseen 12 games, achieving an impressive record of 10 wins, 1 draw, & 1 loss. 

Domestic League: 6 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses.

Europe: 3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss.

Greek Cup: 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses.

Under Vitoria, Panathinaikos has shown a significant upturn in form, propelling them into contention for the Greek Super League title. His strategies have given the team structure and belief, which has translated into a robust challenge domestically. Vitoria has guided Panathinaikos to progress in the UEFA Europa Conference League, showcasing an ability to adapt tactics to different competition demands.

His man-management skills have been pivotal in rejuvenating the squad's morale. The team's newfound confidence & camaraderie are evident, with players appearing more engaged & motivated. The swift positive change in team performance & attitude under Vitoria speaks volumes about his impact. In a short period, he has managed to turn Panathinaikos from a side struggling for form to one that's competitive across all fronts.

Rui Vitoria's approach has not only improved results but also instilled a sense of unity & purpose within the squad, setting the foundation for a potentially successful season across multiple competitions. His tenure thus far has been a clear demonstration of how a change in leadership can dramatically alter a team's trajectory.