Winds of Change

By: Chris Paraskevas | October 2nd, 2008

PAOK’s rise from mid-table stragglers to European contenders - or, dare we say it, genuine title challengers - has been a meteoric one this season and such winds of change in the north brought by Euro 2004-winners Theos Zagorakis and Zisis Vryzas are crucial to the development of the Greek domestic scene.

For the sheer fact that the resurgence of the Dikefalos tou Vorra will bring to Greek footballer a genuine challenger to the perpetual dominance of the ‘Big Three’ of AEK Athens, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, PAOK’s rise is the Mediterranean is a welcome one.

Thessaloniki boasts a rich football history and culture; the region’s most recent derby between Aris and PAOK was testament to such a character. What it lacked in quality and rhythm, it made up for in passion and drama, which, if manifested in the right forms, can only be positive for the game in Greece.

PAOK should finish ahead of the God of War this year and should beat the likes of Panionios and fellow northerners Xanthi to fourth spot on the Greek Super League ladder. A place in the newly formed UEFA Europa League seems a realistic possibility for Santos’ side, even if a genuine challenge for the Super League title is a year or two away from the squad currently being built.

But is a title shot this season so unrealistic for the Toumba-based side? Technical director Vryzas and his co-conspirators have brought in some superb players this season, with the likes of Pablo Garcia and Zlatan Muslimovic particular stand-outs.

What Santos now has at his disposal is a team good enough to win consistently away from home, which was an aspect of their previous season that dashed any European hopes.

The last piece of the jigsaw as far as PAOK are concerned is there ability to win matches against their hated Athenian rivals. Their first attempt against AEK was unsuccessful. However unlucky they were against the Kitrinomavri, a win would have sent a message out to the rest of Greece about their credentials this season.

A superb start to the season has achieve that effect to a lesser extent, with Santos’ side undefeated and equal first with Olympiakos.

PAOK’s squad is certainly deep enough and their manager possesses enough football savvy and knowledge of the Greek game to lead them to European football this season.

In many respects, the future of Greek football depends on their success…