Marko Nikolić, the celebrated Serbian coach, led AEK Athens to their 14th Greek championship, drawing parallels to his successful tenure with Partizan in 2017. AEK Athens, dressed in their trademark yellow and black colors, celebrated the victory in the vibrant streets of Athens.

AEK’s Triumph

The team's triumph marks their first Greek championship since 2023, overcoming formidable rivals like Olympiacos, PAOK, and Panathinaikos. Nikolić's arrival in Greece was accompanied by a stellar reputation, having won the Russian Cup with CSKA Moscow the previous year, and with Lokomotiv Moscow four years earlier, as well as Super Cup titles with Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE and championships and cups with Partizan and Videoton in Serbia and Hungary.

Reflections on Success

In a comprehensive interview with "Mozzart Sport," Nikolić discussed the championship, the state of Greek football, the loyal fans, participation in the Conference League, the Serbian players he coaches, and his experiences with Partizan. He emphasized that this victory reminded him of his 2017 title with Partizan, highlighting the parallels in team growth and resilience.

- It brings back memories, and in many ways. This title is especially dear to me, as I told Greek journalists. Until now, I've always said that the double crown with Partizan is my most cherished achievement, but I could place this title at the same level. Many things reminded me of 2017, from the starting point to how we grew as a team and the way we endured all circumstances around us. There are many parallels, and that’s why this success with AEK is especially dear to me, just as it was in 2017.

Nikolić also addressed the ongoing challenges at Partizan, emphasizing his dissatisfaction with the current state of the club and the negative impact of internal conflicts on the team.

- It's always a delicate topic. Whatever I say, especially during this election period, someone will misuse it. I don't like it even when I'm right. I'd rather be wrong, and Partizan would be the champion. The club is still searching at all levels. At one point, it looked exceptionally promising, with players from the youth academy forming the core of the team, and the record attendance in the last ten years is incredibly important. There was also a financial perspective through potential transfers of young players, although that can't be the only basis for the club's functioning. There was also a hope for results, which fans care most about, and Partizan hasn't achieved that for nine seasons, it will be ten next year.

Nikolić expressed his concerns over the ongoing internal conflicts and the club's slide in performance.

- Bad, very bad, terrible, worse and worse. Disturbed relations among the leadership certainly affected the team. There was a complete turnaround in planning and leading the team, several coaches changed, and all of this together led to where Partizan is today. It couldn't have ended any other way. When the time comes for the General Assembly, I will be clear and take a stand. But it's irresponsible to drag a club like Partizan into media that I consider controversial, to use people who call themselves journalists, and to turn Partizan into a reality show. The club is too big for such things.

(Telegraf.rs / Mozzart Sport)