Panathinaikos vs Celta Vigo - Panathinaikos to end Europa League campaign on a high
Posted Wednesday, December 07, 2016 by PA
New Panathinaikos coach Marinos Ouzounidis wants his side to finish a disappointing Europa League campaign on a high by signing off with victory over Celta Vigo.
The Greeks are already eliminated from Group G, having picked up just one point after losing four of their five ties.
Andrea Stramaccioni was sacked on December 1 as Panathinaikos also struggled for domestic form behind Greek Super League leaders Olympiacos and then crashed out of the cup to OFI Crete.
Ouzounidis, the former Panionios coach, oversaw a 1-0 home win against PAOK Salonika in his first match at the helm and hopes to continue the progress for the visit of the Spaniards, who are batting with Standard Liege for the runners-up berth in Group G behind Ajax.
"Victory is very, very important, especially because we did not win a match in European competition before," Ouzounidis said at a press conference.
"We are very motivated, we want to make a good game and beat a great team like Celta.
"We are in a transition period and will make some changes because I want all players to give the maximum, however this does not mean that we give up on the victory. We want to win against Celta.
"The Celta is one which can create many chances, but we also have to try to hurt them and we will be faithful to our style."
Many hardcore Panathinaikos fans have boycotted the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium in protest over the string of poor results during November both home and away, which saw Stramaccioni's side lose four out of five matches.
Ouzounidis, though, is hoping the supporters will return to get behind the team again.
"It reinforces you, helps you boost morale and with the support of our people, it will be easier," the popular former Panathinaikos defender added.
Celta head into the tie level on six points with Standard Liege, who host Ajax.
Qualification looks set to go down to minor details, with the two teams having an an equal head-to-head record in the group after twice drawing 1-1.
On goal difference, the Belgians are currently ahead by a single goal, although Celta Vigo have scored eight to Liege's seven.
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