A true revelation of the 2022 World Cup with Morocco, Azzedine Ounahi was one of the great architects of the heroic journey of the Atlas Lions. However, the rest of his career was marked by trials. In difficulty at Olympique de Marseille, where he suffered from a glaring lack of playing time and a loss of confidence, the Moroccan midfielder experienced a period of great instability. His loan to Panathinaïkós today seems to be a decisive turning point where, gradually, he regains his sensations and his form within the Greek championship.
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Complicated beginnings in Greece
Arriving at the very end of the 2024 summer transfer window, Azzedine Ounahi had a clear objective: to find playing time and reconnect with the pleasure of playing football, two elements that he had lost during his time at OM. By joining Panathinaïkós, he benefits not only from an opportunity for relaunch, but also from the possibility of playing in the European Cup, a prospect which was inaccessible to him in Marseille for this 2024-2025 season. The Moroccan international spoke honestly about this pivotal period at the microphone of the Greek club.
«I went through difficult times and a really tough month of transfer window. What happened will help me in life. This situation made me grow. And I don't want to make the same mistakes as before. I want to give 100% to live up to the club and get back to my best level. Give me the means to get where I want to go. I am a player who works by feeling, I must feel loved, feel concerned. (…) Last season was complicated for me. I had an injury and I had some personal issues, things outside of football that impacted me. I haven't worked enough and I accept that. I didn't work hard enough to have the best level. I'm not going to make the same mistakes, I'm coming with a new mentality.»
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However, the start of Azzedine Ounahi's Greek adventure was not a smooth ride. Before the arrival of Rui Vitória at the head of Panathinaïkós on November 1, the Moroccan environment was struggling to find its feet. Starting only 3 times in 8 matches played, he often had to settle for a substitute role, coming into play on five occasions. However, the arrival of Rui Vitória seems to have changed the situation for Ounahi, who is starting to regain playing time and regularity.
A rise in power under Rui Vitória
The Moroccan international's debut under the Portuguese coach had, however, been eventful. The former Angevin had experienced a slight clash with his coach, refusing to shake his hand after his substitution during a match against the Greek club Volos in the championship. Fortunately, the incident remained without consequences, and no lasting tension developed between the two men. Under the orders of the Portuguese technician, the Moroccan midfielder participated in 11 matches in all competitions, including 8 as a starter, proving that he is now a key element in the system of the ex-tactician of the Egyptian selection. His constantly improving performances were crowned by two high-flying performances: against Atromitos, on December 4, 2024, where he was elected man of the match thanks to a decisive goal, and against FK Dinamo Minsk in the Conference League, on December 19 last, where he delivered a remarkable assist and delighted his supporters.
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Today, the Moroccan environment has rhythm and is gradually putting together good performances. Often established in a three- or four-man environment and now positioned in the heart of the game, like his role in the Moroccan selection, Azzedine Ounahi finally seems to be gradually reaching his full potential under the direction of Rui Vitória. A success that previous OM coaches had not been able to achieve and which will benefit the Moroccan for future major events to come… notably the next African Cup of Nations.
Soon the time for decisions for the future
From now on, author of a generally encouraging first part of the season under the colors of the Greek club, the Moroccan international will have the mission of confirming the hopes placed in him for the second part of this 2024-2025 financial year. This moment will also be an opportunity for him to think about his future, whether he wants to stay with Panathinaikos for the long term or explore other options for his career. As for Panathinaikos, the prospects seem clear: according to our information, the Greek club is seriously considering exercising the option to purchase its number 8 set by Olympique de Marseille during its loan this summer.
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Tied under contract to the Marseille club until 2027, imagining a return of the 24-year-old player to the south of France now appears highly improbable. If the purchase option is exercised, the Moroccan could become a lasting part of the Panathinaikos project, where he already benefits from the confidence of its leaders and its coach. What happens next for him could also depend on his personal ambitions and the opportunities that present themselves in the future. It's up to him to make the right choice from now on, especially as competition is becoming more and more pressing in the Moroccan selection, with many contenders determined to vie for his place.
Pub. the 28/12/2024 18:00
– UPDATE 28/12/2024 23:33
