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Former AEK President Admits To 'Mistakes'

Should they or shouldn't they? Former AEK president Demis Nikolaidis has reflected on an unsuccessful pre-season for the Athenian club...

Jan 5, 2009 2:32:19 PM

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Former AEK Athens president Demis Nikolaidis says the Greek giants should not bother with January transfers and instead focus on rebuilding next summer, admitting that “mistakes” were made by the club during the pre-season.

Nikolaidis, who resigned from his role in dramatic circumstances earlier on in the season, was interviewed by radio station Nova Sport FM.

“A lot of money was put into the team this year,” Nikolaidis said. “Transfers of high value were made.

“We haven’t made such big signings before.

“So I would say that AEK were favourites for the title in the summer.”

However, some of the club’s more high-profile acquisitions have failed to perform following their arrivals, something that Nikolaidis concedes: “The results have suggested otherwise.

“It goes without saying that mistakes were made.”

He added: “You buy Juanfran, who is a very good player.

“You buy Kyrgiakos, Majstorovic – a Sweden international and the best player in Switzerland.

“In theory, you should have a good chance of winning the league.”

Despite hisresignation, the former AEK player still has some advice for the current administrators of the club regarding this transfer window.

“I wouldn’t make any transfers in January,” Nikolaidis said.

“AEK should think about how it is going to build with the manager from the summer onwards.

“OK, if the coach needs a defender then we should get him one.

“But it isn’t the right time to do transfers.”

AEK are currently in fourth place on the Greek Super League table following a scoreless draw with Panathinaikos at the weekend and are 14 points behind leaders Olympiakos.

Manager Dusan Bajevic succeeded Giorgios Donis after a poor run of results this season and is so far undefeated in his third stint at the club.

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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