Former AEK Athens midfielder Akis Zikos praised the team for their cohesion, passion, and tactical discipline following their UEFA Champions League victory against Austrian side LASK.
Speaking on the protothema.gr broadcast The Football Show by Stoiximan, Zikos said the Greek side produced an almost perfect performance for the majority of the match, driven by collective team intensity rather than individual displays.
Zikos highlighted that every player operated as a fighter from the opening minute, executing core team strategies including direct vertical play. He added that it was purely a matter of chance that a clear scoring opportunity for striker Luka Jovic did not yield a goal.
AEK Athens, known locally as Enosi, compete in the top tier of Greek football and regular European tournaments. Zikos, who played as a defensive midfielder for AEK and reached the 2004 Champions League final with French side Monaco, offered his tactical assessment as a studio analyst.
Lovro Majer defensive contribution
Zikos made special reference to Lovro Majer, noting that he was deeply impressed by the Croatian midfielder's defensive work rate alongside his recognized creative abilities. He stated that Majer demonstrated consistent tactical discipline both with and without the ball.
Addressing the broader mental approach required for continental fixtures, Zikos explained that players quickly grasp the scale of major European games when photographers surround their final training session. He said this environment naturally elevates focus, intensity, and match preparation.
Lessons from Kifisia ahead of Asteras Tripolis
Looking ahead to AEK's upcoming domestic fixture against Asteras Tripolis, Zikos warned that the team must maintain their concentration. He stated that AEK's recent domestic defeat to Kifisia served as a useful slap in the face, teaching the squad to approach every opponent with identical urgency.
Zikos concluded that high level European performances set the standard required across all competitions, emphasizing that AEK must display the same focus in domestic league matches as they showed against LASK.
