Shum seeks PSV pick-me-up

By Paris Ayiomamatis

Greek title-holders Panathinaikos FC may have got off to a winning start in the UEFA Champions League against Rosenborg BK last Tuesday but their performance failed to convince more sceptical supporters that they can improve on last year's early group stage exit.

Limited success
The Greek side won 2-1 but were made to struggle by a determined Rosenborg and were lucky to keep a clean sheet after the Norwegian champions were twice denied by the woodwork. "We know we didn't play well, but this was our first match of the season," said Ezequiel González.

Masterful strikes
However, while supporters were left to ponder how their team managed to survive after sustained Rosenborg pressure at the end of the game, they were delighted with the performance of González who sealed Panathinaikos's victory with two masterful strikes.

First win in seven
The Argentinian's ability proved crucial and confidence levels at the club remain high after they won their first Champions League fixture in seven attempts. And as he looked ahead to Panathinaikos' trip to PSV Eindhoven next week, González was determined that his side should do better.

Learning curve
"We have to improve for the next matches and I am sure we will find the right form," said the 24-year-old midfield player. "With time we will improve and we will play better football. What's important is that we have won three points and we will be in much better shape for the match against PSV."

Shum confident
Coach Itzhak Shum was of a similar mind. "We can and will play better and I'm sure that with time and with the league kicking in we will improve," said the Israeli technician. "I did not expect us to be completely ready."

Good start
Last season, Panathinaikos were knocked out in the group stage after taking just one point from six matches, but last week's win and a 3-0 cruise past Ionikos FC in their opening Alpha Ethniki fixture has strengthened hope that the Athenian side can fare better this season.

Comings and goings
Panathinaikos ended Olympiacos CFP's seven-year reign as Greek champions at the end of the 2003/04 season, but the team has undergone major changes since. Internationals Giourkas Seitaridis, Antonios Nikopolidis and Jan Michaelsen have all left to be replaced by Czech international Rudolf Skacel, Romanian Dumitru Mitu and Croatian goalkeeper Mario Galinovic, along with his fellow countryman, Srdan Andric.

Squad reshuffle
The absence, through injury, of goalscoring hero Emmanuel Olisadebe and Romanian midfield player Lucian Sanmartean for the Rosenborg game forced a further reshuffle for Shum. South African international Nasief Morris moved from the centre of defence to Seitaridis's old place on the right flank.

Off day
It was not a conspicuous success. "Seitaridis also didn't have a good match," said Shum, apologetically. "Morris has played in this position many times with great success and it's not unusual for a player not to be on his day. I am sure that if we play Morris on the right again he will be much better."

Riding their luck
Panathinaikos made the best of their luck to go into Matchday 2 with a win under their belts, but if they are to continue to challenge for a place in the knockout phase, Shum and his players cannot afford to have another off day in Eindhoven next week.