Player: Nikos Machlas

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This is the place to post your comments and questions about Nikos Machlas, #19.

-- Anonymous, November 02, 2000

Answers

"SOMEBODY COULD SAY ME WHERE I CAN FIND HIS GOALS IN THE NET?"

I think Nikos has been asking the same question for some time now. ;-)

Just kidding! There may be some video of goals on Ajax.nl, but I can't find them. I think it's been a while...

I hope Machlas does well for you!

-- Anonymous, January 28, 2003


HELLO FRIENDS,I AM SUPPORTER OF SEVILLA FC OF SPAIN.

I AM VERY HAPPY BECAUSE MACHLAS IS JUST ARRIVED,I THINK THAT HE IS A VERY GOOD FORWARD.

SOMEBODY COULD SAY ME WHERE I CAN FIND HIS GOALS IN THE NET?

THANKS YOU. NICE TO MEET YOU

-- Anonymous, January 27, 2003


Ladies and gentleman, attention please!

The official Sevilla FC website, Ajax Netwerk and NOS Teletekst have just announced that Nikos Machlas will be loaned out to the current #11 in Spain's Priméra División for the remainder of this season. An option for Sevilla to subsequently offer the 29 year- old Ajax striker a three year contract was included in the agreement.

Nikos Machlas joined Ajax in the summer of 1999, after having played for OFI Kreta (Greece) and Vitesse. The current season is his fourth season in Amsterdam, but he almost never got to play.

There is no news report on Ajax.nl yet. I will wait for that in order to have the full scoop and some quotes, and then I'll write a news report for Ajax USA. Stay tuned to the homepage!

In response to Bill's question...

(He wrote: "I was really surprised by an article on Raffy's salary negotiations to learn that Nikos is the highest paid player at Ajax. Is this another reason why they dont particularly want the guy around ?")

I'm sure it's one of the reasons why they wanted to get rid of him. He joined Ajax in the 'good times', when there was plenty of cash and there seemed to be no limits. This changed in recent years, but the club still feels the effect of it. The guys who joined Ajax in 1998 and 1999 still make a LOT of money (more than the ones signed between 2000 and 2002). The ironic thing is that a lot of crap players were bought in '98 and '99. Jan van Halst, Ferdi Vierklau and youth players such as Richard Knopper and Cedric van der Gun were/are the best paid guys... Amazing, isn't it?

This is actually one of the reasons why the club got into financial trouble. But at the end of this season, a lot of '98/'99 contracts will expire. A big burden will be taken off the club's shoulders.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2003


I was really surprised by an article on Raffy's salary negotiations to learn that Nikos is the highest paid player at Ajax. Is this another reason why they dont particularly want the guy around ?

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2003

Nikos' Interview in Amstel.gr(Oficial sponsor of the CL)

For his future : "The only thing that i can say is that i will play outside Holland.There's a chance i will return to Greece,but only in a team that i will be able to reach my goals.There is a proposal by a European team but i won't say it in public.I'll wait."

For Ajax : "I definitely understand the way that Ajax is moving.It's a team that needs to cover huge expences so it buys cheap and sells more expensive.I am 29 years old and for every team except Ajax i am in the best point of my career.I have two young and talented players in front of me,Mido and Ibrahimovic,so probably i won't play more. Ajax can cause a lot of trouble in the CL.I'm not saying we will get the trophy cause we lack experience,but it is starting to remind me of the 1995 team that consisted of many great players."

For the CL : "Arsenal can do better,Real will be better after January and La Coruna is unpredictable but well organised and can do well.I don't trust Italian teams even though they seem to do great right now."

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2002



LATEST GOSSIP : Kyriakos Karataidis,a former International defender and Olympiakos player(one of the best Greeks of all times) is starting a coaching career.So,the Greek Football Commitee sends him to Amsterdam to watch some Ajax trainings e.t.c. as an experience.Word on the street is that more things will come out of this visit...

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2002

Geo, Doxa to THEO NA figi o Nikos exo varethi na men pezi ena apo tous kaliterous forwards ta teleftea 5 xronia!!! Hello Guys Happy Thanksgiving to any of you that celebrate this Great Holiday!!! Tuff game yesterday! I won't say how i feel because we all would have wanted to win that game! Have a good day ! Maik

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002

Latest news from the Greek press: Nikos' manager and Nikos himself are thinking about a way to compromise with AJAX F.C. (possibly get a good amount of money) so he can leave with a free transfer on January.Olympiakos is interested in him the last 3-4 years but coudn't afford him.Even though Nikos is closer to an English team,there is still a chance he will play in his homeland after he winterstop...

PS:Sad(for me) but true...

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2002


Hey Dude I aM NOT Against MIdo if Ajax wins the tremble i will be happy but what i have tried to show ya is that Nikos is a young 29 he has had a full year off but what he does have is big game experince. he has played games in pressure situations! He was guarded by three of the worlds best defenders when he was 20 Years old. He knows football, he knows how to win! By the way since you awoken the dragon, Answer me this, How many Golden Boots does Mido have? Boston top of the World!

-- Anonymous, November 23, 2002

Hey Maik...Did u happen to see MIDO's double aganist NEC...i was just wondering who is now the stallion and who is the old Kliensdale....MIDO DA MAN...GO AJAX, HOPE TO SEE U MAKHLAS...

-- Anonymous, November 19, 2002


good Morning AJAX fans how are we! Is it safe to say that we are in the Group of Death? Some comments on what i have read from you guys: 1) Their are at least six clubs in Greece right now that would love to have Niko. Aek would wet their shorts to have a front three of Nikolidis, Machlas, and Tsartas. they would deystroy Greek Football. 2) the NT coach has stated that he will not bring on players who are not playing w/current teams. So do not blame Niko. 3) Had Karagonis passed the ball to a wide open Machlas( which he moved quite well without the ball avoiding defenders.) in the dying minutes of the 2nd half it would have been England 1 Greece 3 in the last qualifing game. 4). Keoman is driving Nikos price down which if he does leave which will upset me, Ajax will make less money. 5) By the way did you happen to see Mido's shot in the last 10 minutes when he came down on the left hand side and sent the ball to Italy. Do not misunderstand me i want the good of Ajax, but when your running horses' you do not keep a stallion in the corral and run with a Kliensdale, it does not make sense. You need guys with experince. Play him and we will win!!! Long Live Ajax!!!!! Boston out

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2002

Each person can have his own opinion,and i respect that.People have different ways of watching a football game and judging players.This goes for the comment that Mido would at least move to get to a ball which is completely wrong as Nikos moves more and better without the ball than any striker that Ajax had the last 5 years.My personal opinion.Secondly,we will never find out if Nikos could change the Ajax-Inter game as he was never brought in.The fact that he hasn't played so he can't come in even as a substitute is not his fault.Koeman thinks he can do it without a good striker as a sub,so i can't do anything about it.

Allow me to have a stronger opinion than you about the top Greek clubs.I can say 100% that the only strikers that are in the same class as Nikos are Nikolaidis of AEK Athens and Lymberopoulos of Panathinaikos.With different styles though.ANY Greek club would be glad to have Nikos...

He is stuck at Ajax and nobody wants him as you say,but i can assure you that some Ajax fans still want him(Why?I dunno,ask them)...

PS1:Koeman's policy of not using him is the main reason he is out of the National Team.There could be no other reason as he is the top active scorer of the N.T.

PS2:As an Ajax fan,i hope that if Nikos leaves he never has to play against Ajax in the future.For various reasons...

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2002


Geo, I should have known you would have gotten bent out of shape regarding my Nikos comments. Regarding his form, I KNOW that he has not played this season. His form for last season was not good. Its that simple. I know we disagree about his ability, and I can I live with this, but try to be more objective.

I agree in most circumstances that if the striker is struggling than he should be replaced, but not with Nikos, especially considering that he has not played this season. (And yes Mido was struggling in this match) I just think that he would have been no factor against the Inter backline. He would never get to a ball. At least Mido can move himself.

Anyway the final truth is that Machlas is stuck at Ajax, and that nobody wants him. Hopefully they can send him back to Greece, but it won't be to any of the top 3 Greek sides as they have better strikers than him.

I will not comment anymore about this guy. Nothing personal believe me I just call it like I see it.

Go Ajax!

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2002


Fellas having watched the draw for Champs League, I will say only one thought if Nikos stays and they do not use him they will exit competition in this phase. Miki

-- Anonymous, November 15, 2002

Since Machlas is 99% leaving,he will probably go to a Greek Club (probably one of the top ones) or in an average club somewhere in Europe.Of course i dunno how expensive he is.Most clubs won't pay a lot for a player that hasn't played a single game since last year.

Now if Machlas stays in Amsterdam after the winterstop(that 1%...) he will either get more time in the field,or stay out until the end of the year with a completely ruined moral.

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2002



Thanks for the correction Bill.

I understand the fiscal implications of "cup-tieing" him, but frankly I don't see the cream of Europe hurrying to Amsterdam and beating down Koeman's door to sign him when the transfer window opens again. An "upper to middle" team (Middlesborough, Parma, 1860 Munich, Marseilles, someone in Greece or whatever) trying to get strengthen their team for the latter half of a domestic campaign seems more likely.

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2002


Rudy, I think you will find that Nikos was on the bench on Tuesday night, but not utilised. It seems to me that unless the whole squad goes down with a killer disease 5 minutes before the match he will not play any part in the European adventure. Remember, if we do sell him on in the mid season transfer market he becomes a more attractive package for say a team in the UEFA cup if we dont cup-tie him.

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2002

RE: Machlas not playing....

I wouldn't say Machlas is "better" than Mido or Zlatan, but he is "different" in his style. Less "finesse", but more "bite". Koeman's decision not to have him even on the bench still bemuses me.

Machlas is the kind of player that can mix it up, and make defenders nervy. He distracts as much as he creates, leaving space for others. I think having him available as a sub gives Ajax an extra dimension, and makes them less predictable than they were on Wednesday (and against Rosenborg). The other way to make ajax less predictable is to have Jari in the hole behind the strikers, but as we all know, he's injured right now. Machlas can have the same kind of impact as Bombarda (sp?) did for Fword last night...his introduction completely changed the complexion of the game (not that it was enough.......shame.....;o)).

-- Anonymous, November 14, 2002


IF nikos plays and plays well, then Ajax will get more money for him in the Winter Session! If he plays well then the team will do well in the 2nd Phase. In a game that meant nothing why not showcase him to the world since everyone was watching! Keoman get your head out of your ass!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2002

Mr.Koeman has a serious problem with Nikos.He better get over it as soon as possible.It looks sooooooooo ridiculous...

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2002

you guys watching this game? nikos DEFINETELY would've scored on two of mido's chances.

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2002

Guys is niko going to play today? They are going to show the game on ESPN! I would be happy to see my boy score a goal today! MIke

-- Anonymous, November 12, 2002

planetfootbal.com reports that Machlas is leaving this winterbreak...shame, Machlas is a STRIKER and we really need this guy if Ajax continues its CL runs! yep Koeman calls the shots right now and this is a bad one cos letting Machlas go and "hiding" him is a mistake! hmmm...maybe Ajax can swap Machlas for that Utrecht young striker Dirk Kuyt!

-- Anonymous, November 07, 2002

LOL! :-D From what i've heard Ajax won't keep that Machlas guy in the squad.He's probably leaving soon...

Nikos isn't moaning,and he proves once again that he is an Ajacied.He had a beef with Koeman at the start of the season and that's all.This happened because he was left out of the squad step-by-step starting in the summer friendly games.The problem is that Koeman never talked with him,till after their fight.Now he is out of the squad for good...

Zlatan is great,ok.Mido is great,too.But leaving a good striker out of the squad by not giving him a single fucking chance to prove he can play?Well,what can i say?Koeman is the man right now,and he makes the decisions.Even the wrong ones...

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2002


So Geo....who's this Machlas guy...is he any good?

;O)

Seriously though, you're right, his morale and confidence (key factors for a striker) must be rock bottom. I've not heard him moaning about it though....pretty unusual in this day and age. Why has Koeman shut him out so completely???

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2002


Nikos played with Jong Ajax!HEY!!!How come?I thought he would be a reserve or something...Anyway,from what i read about his performance,he is still the hard-working Nikos i knew,but no goals.His psycology is the worst a football player can possibly have...

Thank you coach...

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2002


No,Menno...We are SURE his days at Ajax are over...That's sad.Koeman is a much better coach than Co(and others),but he is a cold blooded professional that doesn't give a shit. :-/ (i still think he is the perfect coach for Ajax)

Sad,not because he would stay at Ajax forever,but the way he stayed out of the team suits a player that is too old,or doesn't have the class to play at Ajax. Nikos has the class,the passion,and the love to play for Ajax.And even if many people think he is not such a good scorer,the stats say he is still the best striker of the team.

I strongly believe that this is a bad move by Ajax.First Shota,then Nikos.Mido and Zlatan doesn't have the experience,plus they won't stay long at Amsterdam.So,this doesn't seem good.Not at all...

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002


"Hello guys is Nikos going to play this year? If not please send him to OFI Crete!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Okay... Nikos, go to OFI Crete! ;-)

Kidding. But it's gonna be real hard for him. I fear his days at Ajax are over.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002


Hello guys is Nikos going to play this year? If not please send him to OFI Crete!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2002

MANU???He didn't go there 5 years ago,how can he possibly go now???No way!!!

If he's leaving Ajx in the winter?He doesn't want to leave that's for sure.What's happening this season destroys him mentaly and physicaly.I wanted him to stay in Ajax by all means.I thought that he would get some time in the field in some easy games,find his form again,and start playing a main role in the CL too.But Koeman ignores him.And he's doing it in a very obvious way.Even worse than Co did in the past(even though Koeman is a great coach while Co is a joke).

Have you realised that he hasn't played ONE single minute till the start of the season?If i'm not wrong he's the only Ajacied that hasn't played AT ALL!!!In my humble opinion if he had something like 15 minutes of play in the CL games against Inter or Rosenborg,we wouldn't be talking weather Ajax would advance to the second round or not right now...

Olympiakos?IF he leaves,maybe they would buy him,depending of course on the money that Ajx would ask for his head...

-- Anonymous, October 23, 2002


Guys quick Question, Does nikos get sold in the witer session, has he finished with AJAX, is he moving to Olympiakos, or MANU?

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2002

Nikos isn't at his best right now as far as football is concerned,but he sure is a winner in politics.No i'm not crazy! :-P In Greece we had elections for each area's(city,town,village) Major and Councils...In his homeland Heraklion Crete(a quite big town) Nikos was a nominee for the Major's Councils position.He came first,with the second one having less than half of the votes that Nikos earned.Quite logical if u ask me.He left Heraklion for Holland a few years ago,but he is still a local hero over there.GO NIKOS!

PS:NIKOS MACHLAS FOR PRESIDENT!!! :-D

-- Anonymous, October 17, 2002


thanks Ray, Iwas given the jersey by Van de Sar through his Brother in law back then my days were a bit blurry!

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2002

My guess is one of the Laudrups wore the no. 11 jersey, after the departure of Overmars.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2002

My guess would be Uwe Krupp!

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2002

Guys I have a question, who has worn the Number 11 for the last 6-7 years?

-- Anonymous, October 07, 2002

Geo, like I said in some other thread, too: all Jake wants to do is annoy people and cause fights. Very childish. Just ignore him. I urge everyone to do so. Just don't respond.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

I also betted that RBK-Ajax will end up as a draw.And i got paid.;-) But it would have been better if Ajax have won,even though i would lose my money... :-(

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Hey brother,you can't have a disscussion with Jake.And attacking him doesn't have any effect.He is not an Ajacied.You and me,were Ajax fans BEFORE Nikos joined the team.Ajax is one of the most popular teams in Greece.But Jake,damn...He is only here because of Zlatan...

PS:Well,nobody gives a shit about Nikos now,but nobody hates him either...And trust me,if Mido n' Zlatan keep on scoring with this rate in the CL,we will beg for Nikos to get off the bench and start waming up...I'm sure Koeman would love to have this option in those last 2 CL games...

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002


Senior, me memo in el platas ki to comas. bendeho machlas is better than then both of the starting strikers, gosh darn does Zlatan have a Golden Boot? Maybe he can go to NIkos house and shine his up Bitch! Binyeto

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

Oh! so sad, what a waste. No one is interested in Nikos Machlas anymore. I have a great idéa on how to create value around the name of Nikos Machlas. From now on this is going to be the renowned Nikos spanishclass!!!!!!!!

Suecia está en el norte de Europa. Es un pais largo y estrecho que tiene muchos bosques, lago y rios. Hay dos islas, Öland y Gotland, con muchos turistas en verano. Hace calor en verano pero mucho frio en invierno. En Suecia hay renos, osos y alces t en verano se puede ver el sol de medianoche en el norte. La capital se llama Estocolmo y esta en la costa. Es una ciudad muy bonita. El casco viejo de la ciudad es muy interesante con sus casas viejas, tiendecitas y calles estrechas. Algunos preguntas chicas?

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002


Hello fellas, So you guys do not like me! I have been an Ajax supporter in the US as long as the twins were kicking ass! I do not speak, or read Dutch! But i do know Football! You can take Keoman and you can shove him where the sun don't shine!! I will not sit here and say i told you so, But in Greece I won hitting Six games today! And yes I played Ajax as a draw! So to all my fans, you want winners just ask! You play my boy he will score and Ajax will win!

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002

"Nikos Machlas is vanavond niet inzetbaar voor Ajax in het Champions League-duel tegen tegen Rosenborg BK. De Griekse spits is vanmiddag geveld door griep." He COULD get a chance today,but he's sick... Well,shit...Just ignore the last paragraph of my last post... :-(

PS:With the wingers in a bad form,and not a third striker available on the bench,Mido and Zlatan HAVE to do well as far as scoring is concerned...Let's hope so...

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002


Michael wrote: "On the eve of a very important game will we hope to see a team that wants to win or a team that will try to play for a draw?"

I wouldn't exactly call a 4-4-2 formation with Mido, Zlatan and Wamberto in it a "defensive" formation, "trying to play for a draw"... Expecially because it seems like Richard Witschge will also be there. He's an 'artist', a creative guy, who can only think offensively. So don't worry, my friend. We're going for a win, and nothing else but a win.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002


Trust me brother,Ajax is a team that plays to win every single game.Even with a 4-4-2 Ajax goes for the goals.What do you expect with Wamby as a #10???Attacking football!!!

Well,i hope the guys score the goals we need to win today.But even if things are not going very well,we still have firepower on the bench.It's been a long time since Nikos' last game,but you never lose the instict.You may become a little less effective,but if you are a true striker,u never change...

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002


On the eve of a very important game will we hope to see a team that wants to win or a team that will try to play for a draw?

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002

Nice experiment today with Mido AND Zlatan in the field.If Koeman finally decides to play with both of them in the field,things will get better for Nikos too.And maybe Ronald will finally find a solution to his strikers problem...

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2002

At least I hope Aaron had a nice vacation in Milan...(you know why i put this post in THIS message board.)

I'm fed up with this situation.I really am...

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002


Well guys 3 points would have been nice for Ajax, or you know something 1 point would have been nice too. By the way Inter did not strike fear in me. Where is NIkos, where is NIkos !!!!!!! Long lIve Ajax Long live o Ellinas

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

Yeah Nikos can't do great things in a 4-3-3.Well,he can do it only if the wingers are in a great form and provide him with great crosses.But he can't create chances for himself.He can create chances for his teammates and can finish the chances created by others...

BTW:Anyone knows which players left with Koeman for Milan?????I would really like to know the squad for this game.Is VanDamme a starter? Zlatan or Mido up front?A 4-3-3???Nikos on the bench or he stayed in Amsterdam?Jari???

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002


My first thought is that I agree 100% with you brother.Happy to see that we two make a "club".Nikos can do great in a 4-4-2,because as you said,he needs his teammates to create chances for him.Hasn't got the dribbling ability of Zlatan,or the speed of Mido.What he has,is the positioning,heading and experience.For those first two abilities,he was known through the scouters since the age of 17.The last one (experience) was gained through those years.Now about him involved in every game.I can't see how this can happen Bill.I find it very difficult with the current situation in the squad...too bad,but it's the truth.Let's hope Ronald will give him some time in the field,preferably in the CL games...

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002

In an earlier post, Geo said he was the Machlas fan . Sorry chum, but his fan club numbers at least double that number. I for one would like to see him involved in every game as he is a real gem. The big difference between Machlas & the Zlatan/Mido option is that what I have seen of Machlas he seems to have to rely more heavily on people creating his chances than the other 2 who can create their own chances. ie Zlatan agaonst Lyon. He appears to fit into a 4-4-2 formation much better than a 4-3-3, whilst the other 2 contenders seem equally happy in either formation. I could be wrong on this. What are your thoughts Geo, as you have followed his career over a great number of years.

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002

2-3!Another three points!Bad news as far as injuries are concerned.And we need Jari for the next CL game no doubt!

The Z-Man keeps on scoring!Plus,Mido apologised,so it's time for someone to lose his place in the squad.Well,since the coach thinks Van Damme and Van Haalst can offer more things,i will just keep on minding my own bussiness...

PS: Damn!I check my last sentence again n' again,but i still can't get over it!

PS2: Some posts ago,i talked about the WiWis and their "salaries".I don't see them in the squad very often.I still don't get it.We needed them?Well,most fans say we needed Witchge.Then why did we buy Jari after that?Couldn't Koeman ask for Litmanen before going for Witchge? Simple answer.Koeman would go for Jari anyway,cause he knew that the Wiwis couldn't be much of a help for the team.But like i told you,they are old buddies n' maybe i would do the same thing if i was in Ronald's shoes.Serious accusations once again,but i just can't ignore some facts...

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2002


A very interesting post i found in the Ajaxmania forums.Yeah,suprisingly i know what it says(not exactly though).Sorry it is in Dutch but i can't translate it :-( You can understand the statistic part anyway...

Machlas nog altijd Ajax' beste spits 18-9-2002

17-09-2002: 'Ibrahimovic legt Lyon over de knie' 17-03-2002: 'Hossam bezorgt Ajax de zege' 10-02-2002: 'Ajax dankzij Machlas voorbij RKC'

Drie lovende koppen die het afgelopen jaar afwisselend te lezen waren. Drie verschillende spitsen zijn de hoofdrolspelers, alledrie bejubeld en verketterd door de fans. Maar wie is nou de beste spits? VI Planet hielp Ajax-trainer Ronald Koeman een handje, voor zover dat nodig is.

De cijfers van Nikos Machlas, Ahmed Hossam en Zlatan Ibrahimovic in officiële duels sinds augustus 2001 tonen aan dat de drie buitenlandse spitsen van Ajax anders zijn, maar ook toch niet veel verschillen. Zo blijkt Machlas in verhouding de meest trefzekere aanvaller te zijn, op de voet gevolgd door Hossam en op redelijke afstand Ibrahimovic.

Totalen van de Ajax-spitsen vanaf augustus 2001

Minuten Goals Goals/minuten

Nikos Machlas 2084 15 1/139

Ahmed Hossam 2131 15 1/142

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 2120 11 1/193

Opvallend is dat de drie spitsen favoriete en minder favoriete werkterreinen hebben. Machlas is in de Nederlandse competities het beste op schot. In het bekertoernooi scoort de Griek gemiddeld iedere 87 minuten één keer. In de Eredivisie duurt dat bij Machlas 127 minuten. Ter vergelijking, Shota Arveladze, de laatste veelscorende spits van Ajax, scoorde in het seizoen 2000/01 iedere 109 minuten in de Eredivisie.

Ibrahimovic is Ajax' man in Europese wedstrijden. De Zweed scoorde in de zeven Europa Cup-duels (inclusief voorronde Champions League van vorig seizoen) vier keer en heeft daarmee een gemiddelde van één goal per 108 minuten. In de nationale competitie blijft zijn score (iedere 257 minuten een doelpunt) echter laag.

Hossam doet er in de Eredivisie maar één minuut langer over dan Machlas om te scoren, maar kan wijzen op verzachtende omstandigheden. De Egyptenaar speelde namelijk lange tijd als linksbuiten en is eigenlijk pas echt begonnen met scoren toen hij een kans kreeg centraal in de spits, de plek waar zijn twee collega's sowieso wel altijd spelen.

Minuten per goal van de Ajax-spitsen per competitie vanaf agusustus 2001

Eredivisie Amstel Cup CL + UEFA Cup

Nikos Machlas 1/127 1/87 1/383

Ahmed Hossam 1/128 1/180 0/211

Zlatan Ibrahimovic 1/257 1/133 1/108

Of de cijfers belangrijk zijn voor Koeman is de vraag. De coach van de Amsterdammers lag met alledrie al overhoop maar geen van drieën liet de trainer uiteindelijk zakken. Ruzie met Mido? Zlatan staat op. Iemand nodig die kan invallen? Supersub Machlas een kans geven. Kopkracht en inzet nodig? Hossam is de man (meestal dan).

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2002


Jari should play brother.Especially now that VD Vaart is out.But anyway Litmanen isn't a striker,so the two of them can play together... ;-D

-- Anonymous, September 15, 2002

Geo I agree with you! Why bring in Litmanen okay he is good but so is my boy! I do not understand the shit the coach is pulling. A few years ago Ajax blew! But he played, and played well! Know is his time to shine!! Play the GREEK GOD!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002

Hmmmmmmm...Maybe this guy will be needed soon???I dunno.We'll see...

One of my little thoughts about Nikos...AGAIN! :-P

He was in the starting eleven during the hard years of Ajax,and did quite well(not 34 goals,but hey...Ajax is not Vitesse.He had Shota n' Wamberto too).Then he struggles under Co(we know the reasons),and seems to be reborn under Koeman.Well i think he didn't get the chances he deserved under Koeman.I mean,let's say that the previous years he played like shit(he didn't,but anyway).Koeman knows only what he sees during his presence in Ajax.And what he saw was not dissapointing at all.While the yougsters get more chances,Nikos is waiting(logical if you ask me.Mido n' Zlatan need more games.They are very young).But he can get more chances,now that he is in a better shape(in the beggining of the season he probably sucked,that's why he had all this beef with Koeman).

Anyway my point is that,now that the whole team is better,there are better players in the Arena,n' the whole team is improved,a striker that depends so much in his teammates can play better than in the hard years,when the quality of the team was lower(including him of course.He was responsible too)...

Like my people say:"It is not logical to use a beautiful boat when the weather is bad n' stormy during winter,and then when summer comes n' the sea is calm,keeping it tied to the port"...If you know what i mean... ;-)

-- Anonymous, September 14, 2002


LMAO!!!HAHAHA!!!First of all thanks to my bro Bill for showing me the way to get into the boards and die laughing... And second:I have a question.Is it true that Leo said that Machlas will stay at Ajax this season?(I saw this at AjaxNetwerk,but my Dutch suck so i dunno if i am right)...Well,as i remember,everytime Machlas scored last year,dedicated the goals to Leo(and not Koeman).Leo may be retarded,but he known Nikos well,so.....................

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002

You have got me really intrigued over your intentions Jake. Are they:

(1) World domination under the rule of Zlatan, or

(2) Increase global warming, thus increasing the sea level and flooding The Netherlands because they dared to criticise the great one , or

(3)World peace, with all people living their lives according to the teachings of Zlatan, or

(4) Make an absolute fortune from selling the inside story of Zlatan and retiring to a sunny climate, or

(5)Another intention not listed above.

Please put me out of my misery Jake ;-)

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002


Well Jake, glad to see you are still around. You shouldnt let a small thing like a lesson in sophistics put you off, if you are firm in your beliefs. You say that Menno doesnt understand your intentions - well this surely is the forum to clearly state your intentions so that Menno and the whole world can see what they are. I await with interest your statement of intentions.

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002

Thank´s Karim Well, Menno kind of killed the argumentation I had with the American. Menno doesn´t understand my intention, that´s all. God bless him!

-- Anonymous, September 03, 2002

Karim...We need 3-4 CLASS STRIKERS...Every team that wants to do something in the CL MUST have at least 3 top class strikers.And as far as i know,Ajax has already 3,plus other solutions from the young team...

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

Interesting to hear from you Jake, seeing that you haven't uttered a single word since your lesson in sophistics by Professor menno of Harvard.

You will agree with me I hope that we need all 3 strikers... and more if we can.... for our CL campaign, no?

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002


Are you afraid of Nikos Jake???Why do you want to get rid of him???I believe you have your own reasons.I don't blame you.If i was in your position i would want to get rid of him too.He is one dangerous motha... :-DDDDDDDDDDD

-- Anonymous, August 29, 2002

What! Haven´t they gotten rid of Nikos yet!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Are the rumors true that Keoman wants to sell Zaltan? Does that give Nikos a shot in the arm? By the way why does ESPN refuse to show Greek Club teams when playing in Athens, during CL?

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Yeah maybe Nikos could be used for 15 minutes at the end of the game.But we have Cristy so it's all good. ;-) Anyway,i saw that Koeman uses a 4-4-2 system for difficult games.I think this includes CL games.So maybe there is a chance that we will see Nikos more in European games...We need an experienced striker in those games,and i think the coach knows that...

-- Anonymous, August 28, 2002

Our Offense really looked good today! thank God defenders can score

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2002

Hey Karim!I was on vacation,that's why i wasn't posting...My homeboy here feels exactely like i do for Nikolas...He isn't in a good shape.But his instict is still here.When he will be needed,he will prove it again(and again,and again...)We are still in the first game of the season...He can offer...Right now he's not in the squad.I think he will make it again.Even if he doesn't...well his career isn't over yet.Even though i would love to see him stay in Ajax for many more years...

Nikola,Nikola,gamise ta ola!!!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2002


If Ajax is going to keep him on the bench then why not sell, him away. All Greek Teams would go for him, plus there must be one or two teams in England that would love to have him. Niko has always gotten better as the season wore on. If you leave him on the bench he is going to lose game instinct.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002

"The kid nows where to go and how to score"!!!! If you can call Machlas a kid, what would you call Mido and Zlatan?!:)

I agree with you that when machlas plays well, good things happen but at the moment good things are already happening without him in the game. I'm not saying that he's not a good footballer, it's just that things are good at the moment. If Ajax were losing or were not performing up to standards up front and Koeman still decides to keep Machlas on the bench, then i would cry for his presence but at the moment....... it's all looking good.

PS: I think Geo's silence has not helped Machlas at all!:)

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002


By the way when we lost to Argentina, WC 1994, and i witnessed a soccer clinic by Battigoal, My man Machlas had just turned 21, and was begining guarded by the best in triple coverage . The kid plays all out.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002

Okay , his form is not that of his best, but his experince on the pitch is tremendous, having watched him play from Greece, to World cup( Don't Laugh) to his great campaign. The kid nows where to go and how to score. I just feel he is great, and when he plays good things happen.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002

What losses? At the moment, positions upfront seem to be well geared in the form of Mido and Zlatan. If any of them start lagging, then Machlas will take over and hopfully score. Why would anyone blame Machlas for Ajax's losses? It's only natural that if you have a striker scoring almost every game, there would'nt be much reason to take him out. Everyone's in this together.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002

If N. Machlas plays he scores if he sits do not blame him for the losses

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2002

Turkish Clubs superior to Greek???Check out the FIFA ranking...We are even higher than Holland.They only do better as far as their NT is concerned...Our Club teams kick ass,so learn something before you start talking...

You started being funny again huh???I am here first as an Ajax fan,and then as a Nikos' fan.Unlike many others...............

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2002


It feels like the birth of superstar Zlatan is the death of Nikos Machlas. One thing is born and another dies! There is a beautiful symbolic meaning to all that is happening. This is why I like you guys so much! We share this precious moment in time together. You and me!

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2002

Some of the stuff posted to this forum would make the chicks in the Mido-Stalkers forum go, "Damn, those guys are weird." ;-)

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2002

Like I said earlier, a lot of players in their twilight years finish their career in Turkey. There is nothing wrong about that. It´s better for the greek to play in Turkey than in his homecountry, simply because Turkish football is quiet superior to it´s Greek counterpart. Finally I hope that you will find a Turkish site in the near future who will deal with your football hero.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002

GALATASARAY???Tell me close-minded,racist or whatever you want,i don't mind...But HELL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002

Report on www.footballnl.com :-

Turkish side Galatasaray have made an official approach to Ajax to hire Nikos Machlas but both the player and the club have said "no" to the request as it concerns a temporary contract. Machlas' absence from training on Sunday, after being dropped from the squad for the SuperCup match against PSV, led trainer Ronald Koeman to say that, as far as he was concerned, the Greek striker could leave for a new employer. Both parties sat down to clear the air on Monday and are now willing to continue working together.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2002


No connection between Nikos' bad form and the WiWis (LOL)...Nikos is not in a good shape right now.I am sure that he didn't react this way (very bad reaction indeed.100% wrong) because he was on the bench.He just couldn't train and play with the second squad.He is a 30 year old striker,with a high salary and more love for the Ajax shirt,than many other players(even Dutch).That's why he didn't insist on leaving the team.He just said that because he was pissed off.What i'm trying to say is:Nikos can't be among the 11 right now.But how can you possibly let him out of the squad and leave him training with the youngsters???You ruin his moral.He is doomed to fail.If you really believe in a player,you can understand those things.You know how you have to treat him,even if he plays like shit.Now,what i wanted to say,is that Koeman was leaving Nikos to see the match from the TV,while he had "others" on the bench,and many times offered them time to play.If Koeman wanted to be 100% fair in his choices,he would leave "someone" else out of the team,because he has NOTHING to offer (and we know that). PS1:If i was Koeman,i would do the same things for some old friends.I'm not 100% that he bought those players only as a favour...But it is very possible don't you think?

PS2:I know Machlas wasn't exactely what the fans expected him to be.He ain't Van Basten or Litmanen...He is just Nikos Machlas,and has some things to offer.And that's how the fans should remember him when he leaves the team...

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002


Very strong accusations there Geo - I take it you are talking about, as Menno calls them, the WiWi's. Personally I cannot see the connection between the return of the WiWi's and Machlas's current situation. Maybe Geo you can help an old man see the light on this one. Are you sure that Ashen Faced Tight-Lipped El-Supremo Koeman, was the person behind these moves and not the F-Word mole in the camp who has been sent to try and destroy us in the guise of Mr Beenpole. My dislike for these 2 returnees for the first team squad is well documented on this and other other web-sites. However, I do believe that if this was done to bring on the youngsters in Ajax 2, I approve 100%. Machlas is too good a player to languish long in the shadows and he will play a very important role next season within the first team squad.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002

It is bad that Koeman bought some players(friends of him),just because they needed a kind of salary(no matter how good they were in the past).Maybe i would do the same thing,but it is bad anyway...

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002

Yeah,it seems like Koeman and Nikos had a good conversation,and managed to find a solution to this problem.I can understand Nikos being the third choice striker at the moment.But leaving him out of the squad makes no sense.I don't think Koeman did the same with Zlatan when he was the third choice striker(neither Mido i think).By leaving him out of the squad he made him feel that he was not needed at all(that's bad for a striker that offered so much to this team whenever he was needed.Even as a sub).And with no intention to be a bad person or anything,i have a simple question for you(as an example)... Is WINTER more needed than Nikos in this team???

PS:Well,Koeman said that Nikos is free to leave if he wants anyway.So anything can happen during the season.Let's hope he stays(at least i do)...

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002


Planetfootball.com are now saying that Machlas has returned to training with the first team after being dropped to the youth team where he refused to train and was fined for it. Looks like the Greek era continues at Ajax.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2002

Planetfootball.com are saying that machlas has been put available on the market arising interests once again from Tottenham Spurs. Looks like the end of a Greek era at Ajax.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2002

So it didn't take Geo much to response eh?..... and on my expense:)

One small typing error has taken me from a 25 year old Egyptian male to a 25 year old mom of an almost 30 year old Greek footballer who was on the beach naked with a 20 year old Swedish footballer!!!!!:)

let's just call this the "preseason typing errors"......which i can afford at this stage, but hopefully by the 2nd stage of the CL there should be no embaressing errors :P

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2002


*silence* :-) (What can i say?I just found out that Karim is Nikos' mom,and was naked on the beach with Zlatan!) ;-P

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

Apologies Karim - for "she" please read Karim.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

Its strange the opinions you form of people. I always thought that she was a young lady and not of the age where she could have been the mother of a person Nikos's age. Just goes to show I shouldnt assume anything ;-)

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

shit.... i meant "saw" not "was".

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

ok ... let me try:

I was Machlas's mom naked on the beach with Zlatan! Is that true Geo?

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002


Fellow Postees - I am thinking of opening a book (or even taking some spread bets) on how many posts it will take Geo to reply. Any takers ?

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002

Koeman wanted someone that can touch the ball at least one time in 10 minutes(something that other substitutes didn't manage in 30 minutes).And guess what?When he touched the ball,he brought it down perfectly,made two defenders wonder where he fuck the ball was,and get this foul in a perfect spot.Witchge of course killed the keeper...4-3!

Yeah he is almost 30.I never said that he HAS to be in the starting 11 when he is not in a good form...

If he leaves Ajax(he doesn't want to do this by the way),he can go to a top Greek team like Olympiakos or Panathinaikos anytime.Oh and guess what!Greek teams are doing quite well in the CL(Unlike some Swedish e.t.c. clubs)...

PS:Dear Ajax fans sorry that i keep on answering,but one thing i can't stand is ironic people,especially when they think they know everything... I end this thing here.You can answer if you want.I won't though...

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2002


Maybe Koeman believes he should get one last chance to redeem himself. Well, We´ll just have to wait and see where our beloved Greek will end up. Maybe in Denmark? I´ve heard that their top team Brondby is looking for a striker. Or maybe he will end up in the turkish league? A lot of players in their twilight years finish their careers in Turkey. That´s nothing to be ashamed for.

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2002

How come Machlas was brought on to the game against Barcelona?? Wasn't he surposed to be eith Jong Ajax this weekend?

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2002

When Zlatan stops being a lil' hair from Nikos' balls,and become a great striker i will download it.Maybe this will happen this year(i think it will...),next year,maybe never...Who knows?

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2002

Cheer up! You can download the Zlatan song at www.zlatan.net

-- Anonymous, August 04, 2002

Who knows???Let's wait n' see.The ball is a bitch.Sometimes,funny things happen...

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2002

I feel sorry for Nikos Machlas. Maybe Tottenham will buy him?

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2002

Shit.The game is live today.I knew the starting line up,but i wanted to see Nikos play for 20-30 minutes.Not even in the squad???Well,i think his career in Ajax ends before this season starts...

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002

Yes, Jakob's right... Nikos Machlas (and Stephano Seedorf, but that's not as surprising) have dropped out of the Ajax-1 squad for the Amsterdam Tournament. They will be added to coach Gerard van der Lem's Young Ajax squad for the traditional, annual Maritime Tournament in Den Helder, The Netherlands.

Seems like Zlatan has leapfrogged Machlas in the strikers' hierarchy for now, and I must say it's the right decision. Zlatan has had a very good pre-season campaign, so far.

Of course, this report is about the Amsterdam Tournament squad only, but it may be an indication of what is about to happen. Koeman wants to bring his selection back to 22 players. Knopper and Cruz were already gone, Ikedia, De Cler and Van der Gun are screwed as well, but at least two or three more will have to go. I hope Winter and Van Halst; I think Seedorf and Yakubu (don't agree!!).

But who knows Machlas...

-- Anonymous, August 02, 2002


Nikos Machlas will not participate in the Amsterdam Tournament as he and Seedorf will play with Jong Ajax instead. Can this really be true? Will Koeman go with Mido and Zlatan this season?

This was reported on AT5.

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2002


Plus,he's never afraid to be compared with others,even if the whole world says they are more talented than him...

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

I hope that Ajax is keeping him for the good of the team.I dunno who's looking hot and who's not.What i DO know,is that we will need his precious 15 minutes at the end of some games.Plus-who knows?- maybe during the season things will change(score more than others),and Nikos find a place in the starting eleven.You know,he can score even though he never looks hot...

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2002

I hope for his sake that he is leaving Ajax. Zlatan is looking hot.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2002

I just saw a pic in a Greek newspaper with Machlas actually hugging the Cup...I hope u can find it,enlarge it and put it in the pictures section...I think it is one of the best football photos...

-- Anonymous, May 13, 2002

Ajax is the perfect team for Nikos...We Greeks,respect this team more than you can imagine...A team from Holland(one of the biggest in the world) chose a Greek name,and even more,the face of an ancient Greek as a symbol...And it was about time that a Greek player became part of the squad...And even more,the most expensive player in the history of the team...Maybe some people thought it was a dissapointment...Others knew that Nikos is still one of the best strikers worldwide,and believed he is essential for the team...And he proved it,even when he got only 15 minutes per game to play...15 minutes are enough for a world class striker to make the difference...Nikos always plays for the team,not for himself...Never creates trouble(even when the coach or other people treat him unfairly),and respects the people that believe in him,like a true Greek should do...Thank you Ajax and thank you Nikos(for not making me seem like an idiot for believing in your skills and your love for the team,and trying to convince everyone about those things)...

-- Anonymous, May 07, 2002

i think Nikos is a great striker and an asset to ajax!! he has proved over the years what a great goalscorer he is and he will continue 2 do this.His best years are ahead of him.I think Koeman is bringing the best out of niko and he is going 2 base his young team around him 2 build an awesome ajax team like old!!!!! Personally i dont think there are many strikers in the world with his goalscoring ability and strength in holding the ball up and creating goals for teamates.HE IS A TRUE LEGEND AND AN AMBASSADOR TO THE GAME AND GREEK FOOTBALL!!!!

-- Anonymous, May 06, 2002

For me,it is a certain thing,that Mido can score in EVERY single game.I see how he moves e.t.c.,and i think he can do it...And YES,for the 4-3-3 sustem he is the best of the three strikers...I insist though,that Machlas can kick ass in a 4-4-2.He needs another striker close to him,more than two wingers.He can cooperate perfectly with another striker with good movement,cuz he is a great passer among other things.This will change the whole team,but maybe it is for the better...Last night Nikos was in the right place the right time again.Plus Mido did his job once again...I will be very sad if Nikos leaves Ajax this summer(it is very likely though)...I believe that even if Koeman insists on a 4-3-3,and keeps him on the bench in most matches,he can help the team A LOT...I think that Machlas is for Ajax,what Solskjaer is for Manchester United.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2002

Greece-Belgium...Friendly game report from Nikos' personal reporter (like someone said...LOL):Belgium scored twice and was ahead by 0- 2...Nikos played a good first half,where he provided a great assist and one on one to Kostadinidis,but he missed.He also missed one chance,when the ball went about 10cm. left from the post,after a very clever shoot...He was moving a lot,and was a constant danger...Greece managed to score,when Nikos,with a GREAT and VERY clever lob,created a one-on-one for Zissis Vryzas.He was tackled,and a penalty was the result...1-2 by Vassilis Tsartas...Nikos then came out,and Yorgos Karagounis of Panathinaikos took his place...The score finally was 3-2 (!!!!!!!!),after two great goals by Zissis Vryzas of Perugia...

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2002

One comment about the match report.Nikos played like shit.It's the first time that i saw him play THAT bad.I was tottaly dissapointed.Mido did A LOT better and MUST start with Herenveen.Pienaar kicks ass.Great talent.He must start in the first 11...many passes to Nikos,without result though.Like i said before,the defenders were indeed kicking Nikos' ass.He wasn't "falling" and all that shit.Like Koeman said "he has to be cut in half if he wants to get another penalty"..Everytime he falls,people think he does that in purpose.He did it once.He was never a "swhalbe",and he will never be...About that comment for his important goals in previous games,and if they were incidents.Well,i don't think any Ajax fan wonders if they were just lucky or not...In order someone hasn't noticed,it's not just those two goals.Nikos offered a lot to the team the last month(also with RKC,Gronigen,dead tuna and f-word).Like Ajax fans say,it was the "Machlas show" lately.So it would be good not to start judging him from one very bad game,cuz when the other strikers were doing nothing,he saved our asses.And not only once.Like we say in my country,"coincidence that keeps happening is not a coincidence"...Keep that in mind...

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

At ajaxmania.com they say that Nikos was "annoying" the defenders,and he kept on falling in order to get a penalty!!!And that the defender just told him to quit falling,gave him a "little" push and Nikos started it all!!!Are they on drugs or something??????I watched the match too u know.And i'm not blind(like many other Ajax fans).They kept on kicking him,and talking to him(and we know what kind of things they were saying)...Maybe i watched another game.Who knows???

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Yeah Bill,that's my opinion about football players.I think that they have nothing to fight about,except who wins a simple game...I just asked about the "fellow" word,cuz what i saw in the field,didn't seem like a friendship or something.They wanted to sent him off,plus they made him angry and nervous,so they got away only with 4-0,and not 8- 0.Cuz Nikos waisted many chances...This "diving" incident has affected Machlas a lot,and all this talking and debate over it affects his play.At least we have two other good strikers(like Mido show us this time).But a good Nikos is always wanted in the team,so i hope he gets over it as soon as possible...Oh and by the way...Nice goal Tim Bakens!!!HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!F*%$*# idiot...

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Thats right Geo a fellow player. I realise that a rivalry always exists between the players of the two teams out on the park, but when all is said and done they are still fellow professional players with a supposed code of conduct. I was really surprised that Nikos wasnt substituted after the second incident to save him being sent-off. Gruffchap were going out of their way to achieve this. But as always, as the saying goes - he who laughs last, laughs longest - and with Mido's (Nikos's substitute) first touch nestling in the back of the net, Ajax certainly had the last laugh.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

fellow player?????

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

What the hell were the players of Gruffchap up to - I thought that their OTT actions were an absolute disgrace in trying to get a fellow player (Machlas) sent-off. Never seen the likes of it before and hope never to see the likes of it again.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Saw someone wrote something what the feyenoord president said about Machlas diving, what does he think about Van Hooijdonk diving for 2 free kicks in their European game against Rangers.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 2002

yes, that would be fine. i think we all would like to convey that message to the chairman of feyenoord.

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2002

Ajaxmania News:

March 5, 2002 -Feyenoord president Jorien van den Herik wants to be harder on players like Machlas that continue to let themselfs fall during matches...

Would it be ok if i tell him to s*** my d***???By the way...u wanted to get this player in your team,if i remember well...So now just shut the f*** up...

-- Anonymous, March 06, 2002


I didn't watch the game(Fortuna vs Ajax),but i have to say that i trust Menno's match reports.I just watched the goal from the "supershota" page...by the way,i like this guy.He must be a big Nikos' fan :-)...I have a comment to make.Despite the fact that Nikos played a shitty game(like i said,i trust Menno's reports),he showed that his simple way of play is effective(plus,he uses his brain,like all football players should do).He just gave a simple short pass to Wamberto(who run like a fuckin' bullet by the way),and....1-1.We all know that other players in his position,would have tried to go past all the defenders and score,without even seeing Wamberto's move...Well,the important thing is that he played a bad game like the rest of the team,and lost the big opportunity for 3 more points.But i just wanted to make this lil' comment about his assist...

-- Anonymous, February 28, 2002

And because i don't wanna be misunderstood,i DIDN'T mean that Ajax is on top thanx to Nikos!!!Hell no!The whole team is better under Koeman than under Co...I just said that he offered A LOT...

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Under normal circumstances,i meant that there many strikers in the team.I never said that someone doesn't like him...I agree with many of the things that u said.But i don't agree with one thing.This "if Machlas wasn't there,Zlatan would score blah blah blah" attitude.Machlas is ALWAYS there to score.And that's the difference...I'm sure that Zlatan would score.But Machlas moved very smart to tackle the ball like he always does.Yes, this time Zlatan would surely score.But in the previous matches,he wouldn't be able to score even half of the goals Nikos did...Like Koeaman said,Machlas needs a teammate near him.And when this thing happens,he IS a scoring machine...Now to my friend Menno.U said that he is not a scoring machine.Well,u r wrong.We all know what he did in Vitesse,and when he came to Ajax,he faced MANY difficulties,don't u think???HE WASN'T EVEN PLAYING FOR GOD'S SAKE!Check out the stats and u'll see that he scored quite a lot,despite the fact he was a sub(even in onefootball.com they had an article which said that he scored quite a few goals,despite the fact that Andriaanse left him on the bench)... (By the way,do you remember who was the only one in here yelling that Adriaanse is a fuckin idiot,and he should leave so that Nikos will score more,and the team win more matches???)Do u think that it is just a coincidence that in Nikos' best season in Amsterdam,AJAX is on top???Do we owe him at least 6 points in the last 6 games or what?Of course we owe even more to Van der Vaart(but this is another case)...This man is a scoring machine since the age of 19.You see him play only for 6 years now...Trust someone that knows him since he was 17.....I told u what was my point.Now tell me what is YOUR point.That he is an average player,that doesn't deserve to be in Ajax F.C.(u can ask many dutch fans of Ajax,and hear what they have to say about this)???That he is not one of the best fox-in-the-box ;-) players???I just want your opinion here...

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Thumbs up for Jim.

Machlas has been scoring not enough goals for three seasons now - and he still hasn't played well for longer than two games in a row. That's pretty bad. Zlatan is in his first year and deserves more time, when it comes to that. Of course, Machlas should play right now, because he's scoring the goals. But he's definitely not a 'scoring force' or whatever. He has been for one season at Vitesse. Apart from that, he's not been such a 'killer' at all.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002


Geo, let me start by saying that I think Machlas should be playing for Ajax over Zlatan right now. That said, ***what's your point***? What do you mean by "Normal circumstances"? What 'special forces' do you suspect/accuse of being at play here? Because he's Greek? Because he wears a beard? Because the stars are aligned against him?

It's not as simple as you suggest. Machlas starts and looks hapless. Zlatan starts and looks hapless. Koeman explained why he started Zlatan today, but also implied that it was a tactical mistake, and so he brought on Machlas. I suspect Machlas will start in the midweek. And Machlas is nicking goals right now. That's why he should play. But you should also recognize that had Machlas NOT tipped in Maxwell's cross today, Zlatan was right there to do it instead.

It's not *nearly* as simple as you imply. If Machlas were the goal- machine you suggest, he would be starting and playing every game. I trust Koeman's judment over yours (or mine, for that matter). He knows the tactics, the players and the opponents. He knows there's no clear-cut choice, and he's obviously struggling to finesse an imperfect situation.

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002


In normal circumstances,what happened today,would result in a constant appearance in the first 11...But this player has to go through testing all the time.It's ok though,cuz he proves he is one of the best scorers available,in every chance he gets.Coming from the bench and offering 6 points to the team(in two away games),means that you are gifted(not to mention the rest 4 goals).Easy goals?Who gives a shit?I know MANY strikers that are not able to score even the simplest goals.Having the talent to move in a great way without the ball,and being in the right place,the right time is a rare talent...and a perfect weapon for Ajax Amsterdam F.C....

-- Anonymous, February 24, 2002

I am very happy with the way it worked out regarding Machlas and "our friend" Zlatan. God knows why Koeman selects him above Machlas, maybe Zlatan is very technical and all that crap but I haven't seen anything yet and you can see Nikos has a drive to score and to be successful. What I was wondering is that Maybe Koeman did it on purpose to piss him off, it did work 4 goals in less than two games so nothing left to say....

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002

In the John O'Brien thread, Tobi wrote (about Nikos Machlas' Man of the Match title against RKC):

"This game Nikos Machlas got the honour. Although he played 110% better then Zlatan ever did"

Pardon my French, but this is blatant nonsense and it is a typical example of what I meant when I wrote that the average spectator at the ArenA now refuses to see the good things that Zlatan does. He played a fine first half against FC Groningen. I watched his play very closely - and almost every time he got the ball, he did something constructive with it.

Even if you look at it in the most objective way (how many time did he do something 'good' with the ball), Zlatan played far better than Machlas did yesterday.

Don't get me wrong: Nikos Machlas is now the scoring man. That's one of the things a striker should do - and therefore, he should play. But apart from his two goals, he was one of the weakest Ajax players on the pitch. His passing and play on the ball was far weaker than Zlatan's play on Thursday.

It seems like Tobi is one of those spectators at the ArenA who whistle and boo at Zlatan (thereby destroying the self-confidence of a young 20 year-old boy in his first year at Ajax). I deeply detest that attitude, especially because most of those people were so busy whistling that they didn't even see (or remember) how superbly Zlatan sent Wamberto on his way to the 2-0.

This is a very, very annoying habit of the Ajax crowd.

And the funniest thing is: when Zlatan starts scoring and showing everything he cab, they'll all chant his name. Just like with Fred Grim, Jan van Halst and Nikos Machlas himself - to name only three examples of players whom the crowd wanted to f#ck off as soon as possible.

(More examples? Danny Blind and coach Louis van Gaal... Man, did the crowd hate them in their first six months. Instead, we embraced Stanley Menzo...).

-- Anonymous, February 11, 2002


Well...ok...You can believe in Zlatan.We all do...But u have to believe something else too...Nikos scored another 2 today! ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 10, 2002

I believe in Zlatan!

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2002

I heard that Zlatan played a great game.He plays well,ALMOST in every game...But a striker isn't ONLY about playing well.His job is scoring.And in this Nikos is a lot better.He just needs good passes from his teammates.Zlatan is better in other things.But he spoils great chances easily...Anyway.Ajax is kicking ass with Koeman,just like everyone expected.Let's hope that the team will improve even more...

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2002

Whilst firmly believing that Nikos should be in the starting 11 in front of Zlatan - donnot be too fooled by the statistics. I thought Zlatan had one of the best games I have seen from him and led the forward line well in the first half - if only he had taken the glorious chance that fell to him we would be praising him.

-- Anonymous, February 08, 2002

I didn't see this game. But I was already in Geo's camp before tonight, based on the last league game. Zlatan did not look like a goal-scorer, and Nikos got the job done. Just judging from the statistics alone, it looks like more of the same tonight. Sounds like a glorious night of goal-scoring football, any way you slice it.

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2002

Another one ---> :-)

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2002

:-)

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2002

FYI...from onefootball.com

Adriaanse mentally destroyed Ajax star

Thursday 17th January 2002

Ajax striker Nikos Machlas has revealed that playing under former coach Co Adriaanse left his confidence at an all-time low.

Greece international Machlas found himself surplus to requirements at the Amsterdam Arena at the beginning of this season following the arrival of Swedish wonderkid Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Egyptian prospect Ahmed Hossam – but he feels that he was never given a fair opportunity by Adriaanse.

"I never enjoyed my football from the moment he took over," the 28- year-old told Algemeen Dagblad. "He even broke me psychologically as he never kept his criticism private - how can you find the confidence to score after that?"

Machlas admitted that the lowest point came before a Dutch league game against Heerenveen last October when Adriaanse told him he was not playing even though Ibrahimovic was facing a five-game suspension and Hossam had just recovered from concussion.

"That incident totally de-motivated me," he claimed. "You can handle criticism if it is constructive but his had a paralysing effect."

The former OFI striker shot to fame in 1998 at Vitesse, where he won the European Golden Boot, scoring 34 goals in 32 matches. Despite starting the majority of games on the bench this season, he has still found the net four times.

The dismissal of Adriaanse in December has given Machlas new-found hope of rebuilding his career at Ajax and he believes that new coach Ronald Koeman's approach is just what the team needs.

"He conducts himself in the correct manner," insisted Machlas. "He will have his first choice players but he will approach it in a more subtle manner."

Ibrahimovic agreed that the abrasive Adriaanse's man-management skills left a lot to be desired although he did point out areas where the young forward could improve.

"I thought I was doing well but the coach made it clear that there was plenty of defects in my game – it was just that when he did it you didn't feel like kicking a ball again," said the 20-year-old.

"Koeman has pointed out similar things – that I need to be more mobile and choose when to play a simple pass or try something on my own – but he does it in such a way that makes you feel comfortable."

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2002


Yeah it's true...The weather here is terrible!We even had snow in Athens!!!(For those that don't know,it snows once every 20 years in the capital).Don't worry,Machlas will be in Holland soon,even though some Ajax fans will pray for bad weather here ;-P...For the rest,that want Machlas in the team,i can assure u that the weather is getting better,and he will be in Amsterdam soon...

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002

So, Ajax went back in training this morning. The preparations for the second season half have started. Jan van Halst was with the group and so were Ferdi Vierklau, Daniel Cruz, Cedric van der Gun and Ruud Kras (all recovered from injuries).

Surprisingly, Nikos Machlas was missing. After training, Ronald Koeman explained why: due to the extremely bad weather in Greece (which has been European news all week; there's more snow than ever over there), Nikos' flight from Athens to Amsterdam got cancelled. He couldn't make it, but he expects that he will be able to catch a flight later today...

Geo, is it really that bad over there?

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002


Yeah right guys...Last year,he was on the bench most of the times,and STILL managed to score 13 goals(i think)...Whenever the team isn't scoring we blame Nikos...The reason is that he gets a lot of money,and people expect him to score 34 goals every season like he did in Vitesse...But i don't think he has to prove anything...Everyone knows what he can do...HE knows what he can do...Don't forget that he had many injury problems...All i wanna say is be patient...Cause the Greek Lightning will be back(IF he stays in the team);-) Another thing...Everyone is SO excited with Zlatan and Mido...I like them both...I think they are very talented...But u know what?Zlatan is EXACTLY the same as Arveladge..The same kind of player...Plus Shota was much more experienced...Mido is a great striker...But he can't offer anything different to the team...Nikos CAN...He can offer his GIFT in scoring...I think Ajax must play with Nikos and Zlatan OR Mido...One player that can score,and one player that has speed and power...

-- Anonymous, October 25, 2001

Good for Nikos. Now, he'll probably want to fight for a starting position. He'll just have to show that he can make a big impact on the team if he is playing... He's been a no impact for more than a season now, i think this spanking will do him good.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001

Sharp observation, Bill!

Indeed: after having scored the 1-4 for Ajax, he walked back with a look on his face as if he'd just put the garbage bags on the sidewalk or whatever.

He'll probably tell you that he wasn't really extatic because the game was already won, etcetera. The true reason is that he has been playing badly recently, and therefore lost his spot in the team to Zlatan and Mido.

But here's the particular incident that made him angry (Bastiaan and I mentioned it during the Sparta home game). Machlas was in the starting line-up against Apollon Limassol. He played a shit game, just like the rest of the team. But he did score the 2-0 and probably thought he'd done his job relatively well. But: against Sparta, a few days later, Zlatan and Mido were in the team - and Nikos was on the bench. But the worst was yet to come. As Zlatan was substituted after an hour or so, Co brought on Richard Knopper instead of Machlas. Bastiaan and I immediately said: "Damn... Co is making a statement here. He's ignoring Machlas." Fifteen minutes later, one more substitution. Off: Wamberto. On: O'Brien.

Two strikers were subbed and Ajax continued playing in the same formation, but Co preferred to replace the two strikers by two non- strikers, while Nikos Machlas was available.

I'm pretty sure this pissed him off very much. De Volkskrant reported the next day that Machlas refused to talk to the press after the game - slammed his car door behind him, and left.

-- Anonymous, October 05, 2001


Nikos didnt show any emotion when he scored on Sunday - was that just because we were already 3 - 1 up and the chance was so easy or was it that he didnot care ? Unfortunately I only saw the goals and not the whole match - what was his attitude like the rest of the time he was on the park ?

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

Irony of Ironies, it now looks as if Nikos Machlas may well play a prominent role for AJAX. I could have sworn he was as good as gone. Now, with the Arveladze situation, I am glad he is still in the side.Yes, I who trashed him am glad he is still in Amsterdam.I never questioned his talent. I only thought his attitude was a bit askew. Given the youth upfront (talented though it is), it is good to have experienced depth at the central striking position. Also, given Richard Knopper's previous injury woes, it is nice to have an alternative or semi- alternative . Also,it is nice that Co can show a different wrinkle or look. By this I mean using Machlas in the withdrawn striker slot. O'Neill playing Hartson with Larsson and Sutton gave Co something to think about. Nikos Machlas as a withdrawn striker ,in concert with Z-Man and Mido, gives O'Neill one more thing to mull over.

-- Anonymous, August 05, 2001

Who laughed when i said nikos is a world class striker???U still think he is not???Ask Liverpool's defenders...they know better...LMAO!!!

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2001

My friend,i talked about the 10% e.t.c. cause u keep changin' everything i say...By the way,i never said that Greece isn't losing...i just said that if USA was playin against those teams,they would lose too...I'm a big fan of the Dutch National Team...it's my second fav team,after my country of course...And don't forget that Greece is a country of 10 million people,not 150 million,but we still do quite well...Germany beated Albania THIS year...check previous years if u want to learn more about Albania's results against big countries...I never said that Machlas is the best thing ever happened to Ajax,or that he is the best player in the world or all the other things u said...I just say that he is better than other strikers that are in the squad all the time...And if u wanna talk with numbers e.t.c....WHY did Ajax pay all this money to buy Machlas????????Simple question,simple answer...BECAUSE he is a great player...Period...Do u remember what happened in his first friendly games in Amsterdam,or his first league games???He did great,and everyone talked about his talent in scoring e.t.c....We all know what happened next...Someone doesn't like him,and doesn't want him in the team(we all know who he is...)...I don't want to argue with u...since u r Ajax fans,u r all my friends...but i just don't wanna see u act like Co is not responsible about Nikos bad condition...

-- Anonymous, July 20, 2001

Geo, I never have actually said that Machlas isn't fit to be in Ajax. But as long as we have better players he can't get into the team because he really doesn't fit the system. Everyone knows what he did in Vitesse. But you talk as if he was the next best thing that happened to Ajax since Van Basten.

Machlas scored 8 goals from 29 matches in Vitesse in 96-97. 32 from 34 games in 97 - 98. But again he scored 18 from 31 games in 98-99. Don't you think that people learnt know how to play against him. His scoring has dropped since then( he did play in 25 matches in 99- 2000).

While he was in Greece he scored around 47 goals from 154 matches ( 6 years ). Out of that 17 came from his last season. SO you do the arithemetic. 30 goals from 121 matches in 5 years. That must've set the stage on fire.

Lets us play this game. Why not talk facts & stop raving & ranting all the time? OK?? Plus could you tell me why do you start shouting when someone writes in something. Are you scared of something? Just asking.

You say that Machlas is a great player. He scored 34 goals in one season in his entire life. Nothing scintillating before or after that season. Look at poor Van Der Sar. He was the best goalkeeper in Serie A this season. But they got a new keeper only b'cos he made one ( yes one big mistake ) against Montella ( Roma ) in a match.

Get your facts straight. Albania were defeated by the Germans 2-1. They beat the much vaunted GREEKS by 2-0. They have won 1 match in 6 attempts ( that too against the Greeks ). But then you might say that the Greeks lost because Machlas didn't play...yeah right.

The highly talented ?!?! Greeks have won 2 matches out of 6. But then you might say that happened because Machlas played in only 1 or 2 matches. But then still you say that the Greeks are a very talented lot. Well everyone has their own opinion.

YOu say that if the Americans could play against the Europeans in qualifiers they would lose ( according to you). HAHAHAHA, what are the Greeks doing right now.....they too are losing. They have won against the terrific Albanians & the Finns at home. Nothing more than that.

We are talking about Ajax over here. SO why do you want to talk about the American & Greek national teams over here. If though you do want an argument, lets compare the Dutch & the Greek teams. I'll be really interested.

Just for the sake of argument. Keller played for Rayo Vallecano & is considered to be a good keeper in Spain. Claudio Reyna plays for Rangers. He does play well. -----------

For chrissake stop shouting & talk for a change. You say that I can understand only 10% of what you have to say. What can I say, I'm not as smart as you. Though I might add that you only talk for 10 % of the time & shout or talk crap the other 90%. Everyone has his/her own opinion.

--------------------

-------------

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001


And let's play another game...Write something to Amol,and then let's see if he will understand a f*&^%$$ word...(ooooooops...sorry...i am agressive again)

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

And just to inform you...Albania won Germany,and plays very good with all the big national teams...plus there are many Albanian players in many European clubs...That shows they have talent...maybe even more than the Americans(hmmmmmmmm...not maybe...they SURELY are more talented)...And i just MENTIONED he scored against Albania...i never said it was a great thing to do...

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

My dear friend...You got only 10% of my post...Read it again,and then try to understand the rest 90%...First of all...Menno,u know i react this way,cuz u act like Machlas is a worthless piece of shit,and that he can't play for Ajax,while everyone knows he is a great player...Now let me answer to the last post...I NEVER COMPARED MACHLAS TO BAGGIO,OR ANY OTHER FOOTBALL LEGEND FOR GOD'S SAKE...I just said he is a great player...Secondly,i talked about Olympiakos,national team,greek players e.t.c.,cuz someone said that greek players have no talent,which is completely wrong...I can name many other well known greek players (Lymperopoulos,Eleftheropoulos,Alexandris,Anastasiou,Vrizas e.t.c.)...And i just said,we could have a great national team,if we had a good coach...I know USA can't play against great European teams,but i just said that IF u could,we all know the result...Anyway,the discussion here is about Machlas,so i stop talkin about other things...my conclusion...Machlas is a great striker(he proved it many times...even though he played only 8 full matches,he scored 13 times...imagine what can happen if he plays a whole season...34 goals or more...he've done it before...REMEMBER??????),he can play for AJAX,but the coach doesn't want him anymore...It's Co's problem,not Nikos'...

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

Geo, Hi! You say Ajax is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Then you say that you never said that Machlas is the best player in the world. Then you say that Machlas will score 30 goals every season for Ajax. I mean, make up your mind, then lets talk.

I remember a certain Roberto Baggio who incidentally is a forward. Well he carried the whole Italian team on his back in USA 94. That is a great player. This is just one example.

You say that the Greek national team isn't the best in the world. But then you say that you have the best players around but you could name only 2 'great' players. Georgatos who keeps on coming & going to Inter. HAHAHA plus you are saying that Inter are great team right now. They lost to Milan by 6-0 & finally ended up one position above them.

You say that Olympiakos & Pananthiakos play in the CL every year. So what is your point. We are talking about MAchlas out here.

And pray tell how can the US national team ( I'm not a supporter ) play against the European sides for WC qualification. They'll have to move their country my friend to play against the European sides.

You mean by playing against the great teams makes a team great. I mean then Verona, Piacenza, Vicenza, etc. should be among the best teams according to you 'cos they play against the 'great' club teams in Italy.

Machlas scored against Albania. That must've set everything on fire right. The greatest footballing nation of all times...Albania!!?!?!?!

----

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001


He folks, let's play a game (mind you: it's not an easy game): who can write to something to which Geo does *not* react in an aggressive way?

I'm afraid I don't have a winner with this one, by the way...

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2001


And about big clubs in Europe not wanting his services...Perhaps u don't know that Ajax is one of the BIGGEST clubs in THE WHOLE F*^&% WORLD!!!(And offered a lot of $ to get him from Vitesse).Perhaps u forgot about it,because of the current state of the team...And as we all know,the fans want him to play...Someone else doesn't...

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Poor talent in Greece???HAHAHA...You r very funny partner...Georgatos plays for Inter,Machlas for Ajax,Olympiakos and Panathinaikos play every year in the Champions' League(and do quite well actually...)...We have a shitty National Team,just because we have a retard coach(hmmmm...it reminds me of something...)...At least u didn't say that American football players(hahaha...sounds funny!) are more talented than Greeks...that shows,that u know some things about the sport...We play against great teams like England,Germany e.t.c.,while u play with Costa Rica and Surinam to qualify...Nikos isn't the best player in the world...i never said that...but he can play in Ajax and score 30 goals per year...That's for sure...Thank God u don't support Co!!!Hmmmmm...i guess u know more things about football,than i thought u did...P.S. GLAD TO BE BACK MY AMERICAN FRIENDS!!! ;-P ...........GO AJAX!

-- Anonymous, July 17, 2001

Welcome back Geo! You are right I know shit about football. Machlas is the best player in the world! Just answer me this. If Nikos was so special, why are the Big clubs in Europe not lining up for his services? Regarding the Greece-England match I was very disappointed with Greece obviously, perhaps you could shed some light on why no support in the stands that night? It appears that despite some decent form in Europe the past couple of years that the big 2 sides in Greece Olympikaos and Panathinakos both rely heavily on their foreginers as the national talent is poor. By the way I do NOT support Co! Just Ajax!!

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

I think I can honestly say, "We missed you Geo; good to have you back." :-P

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

Did u expect us to beat England???This shows that u don't know shit about FOOTBALL...The whole team played like retards,so as u know(Well u don't,but anyway...),the forwards can't create chances for scoring...I dunno if he will leave Ajax or not...What i DO know,is that u support a shitty coach and u disrespect great players,like Nikos and all the others that u keep talkin' shit about...

-- Anonymous, July 16, 2001

I forgot to mention that the World Class striker was not seen or heard of in the recent World Cup Qualifier against England. The Greeks as a whole were crap. Little ability and thought process from any of their squad. I hope Ajax is looking into sending Nikos on his way back to Greece permanently.

Rich

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2001


Speaking of treating people like children, I hope Niko's new coach has one of those baby leashes handy.It's the only way he'll be able to keep Nikos onside. Message to Nikos: quit yer b****ing and go.It would have been one thing for he, the WiWi twins,and Ferdi to say that they disagree with the present lack of playing time and must exit stage -left; but the rest of the comments are totally unprofessional.

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2001

I think it's all over for Machlas at Ajax. Just a gut feeling, I guess. With recent signings, a parting of the ways seems inevitable and, in my opinion, for the best. There's a report on Teamtalk that Machlas is considering going back to Greece. Although, his disappearing act against England on Wednesday couldn't have helped his stock there too much.

Here's what he says about Adriaanse:

"If the conditions were better at Ajax, I would not be thinking of leaving the team, because it is a big dream to play at Ajax. However, the coach thinks that we are little school kids."

Maybe he, Winter and Witschge can share cab fare...

-- Anonymous, June 09, 2001


Good for Nikos! He played for Greece against Albania this Saturday - and scored the winner in Greece's 1-0 victory over their neighbours!

Alright, Mr El Don Greco (or whatever), what do you have to say...? ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 03, 2001


Hi there,

I think Nikos Machlas isn't a good striker for the system Ajax plays. I think Ajax should sell him en buy a good striker back for it. Some one like Shota Arveladze. That is my opinion a bout nikos.

Greetz,

Menno from Amsterdam

-- Anonymous, May 01, 2001


Hei Nikos. In my eyes you are a good player who is doing his best as always. Go ahead on this way and you wil make it. How 's your son doing now? Does he grow well? Be a good player and be carefull with yourself. Good luck and enjoy your work. goodby. martin

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2001

According to a Reuters blurb I saw on AOL's Soccer News, Nikos suffered a calf injury in a warm up against Greece's b-side. He had to be helped from the pitch.According to the same article, he will now miss Greece's Wednesday qualifier;at home in Athens v.Germany. The article said he was set to start in the match.If it wasn't for bad luck, Nikos would have none. Probably means he'll be a serious doubt at best for Sunday v. NEC.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

I think Machlas knows very well his job and from now on he will score many goals. He is my favorite player i hope he will score in every match!

-- Anonymous, March 16, 2001

Sometimes i wonder why Nikos Machlas is my favourite Ajax player. And then i realise i have a weak (dont know how to say it in English) for "emotionally packed" strikers. When Nikos Machlas scores, he gets crazy, he celebrates his goal with the most fanatic fans, with the fans that travel along with Ajax to every away-game. When people have comments on him not scoring enough i dont care. For me he's a real Ajaxcied who's only goal is winning as much possible prizes with Ajax. And i feel sorry for him that he joined Ajax at the moment that the club was going down. Despite a few bad years actually the situation in Amsterdam is looking good. With young dynamic talented players, AJax will soon be back on the top of the league, and hopefully a return at the top of Europe. In my opinion, Ajax' feature looks good. I hope Nikos Machlas will be part of that future.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2001

Nikos played absolutely shit against Fortuna Sittard, and I wonder whether that could be because he felt unhappy about being interrogated by the tax investigation dept (see news section). Could be, although he was not under suspicion of anything. He just had to answer some questions. They probably didn't give him a very hard time. On the other hand: Nikos Machlas is a very sensitive guy.

Anyways: I'm sure his bad performance against Fortuna was an incident. It's time for some more goals, Nikos. This Sunday against FC Utrecht would be an excellent moment. Important game: if we win that one, there's two relatively easy opponents waiting after that. Ajax might be at the start of a pretty good series of wins here. But first: beat FC Utrecht (we need revenge against them anyway)!!!

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2001


I think that NIKOS MACHLAS is one of the best strikers in the world. His injury was really bad but this will put him down. We will see lots of MACHLAS goals soon .

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2001

Menno,

I totally agree, particularly as their coach of 10 weeks (John Toshack) is about to quit to go back to Spain.

Cheers,

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001


OneFootball.com strikes again...

They probably drank too much champagne and then they came up with this, underscoring their reputation as one of the best slap-stick and comedy sites on the web...

Saint-Etienne are poised to make a bid for Ajax's highly-rated Greek striker Niclos Machlas in one of the most surprising moves in a busy French winter transfer market. Machlas has been regarded as one of the most gifted strikers in Europe since emerging with OFI, and it now appears that Saint-Etienne see him as the answer as they attempt to restore the club to its former glory. Les Verts are one of the most decorated clubs in France, having won Le Championnat on ten occasions and the Cup six times. Their last trophy, though, came in 1981, and they only secured a return to the top flight in 1999. Now lying 13th in Le Championnat, Saint-Etienne see Machlas - who won the Golden Boot for finishing as top European scorer at Vitesse Arnhem in 1998 - as the man to spearhead their challenge for a European place. The Greek has been in tremendous form since returning from a sixth- month injury lay-off and has already hit nine goals in the Dutch first division this season. Although he claims to be happy at Ajax, he has constantly been linked with moves this season, with Rangers and Panathinaikos also in the hunt. (Source: OneFootball.com)

There's absolutely no reason in the world to take this seriously. Bet?

-- Anonymous, January 02, 2001


YES, YES, WAY TO GO NIKOS!!

Nine goals out of ten games now... which is excellent. Boy, did we miss him against F-Word.

-- Anonymous, December 18, 2000


Nicos Machlas scored already 7 goals out of 9 matches. I think that's a pretty good average, especially if you consider that there are no penalty's included - since Chivu took those.
And if you look at the type of goals he makes, for me it's clear he's got his self- confidence back (or: Adriaanse gave him his self-confidence back, like Adriaanse did with striker Bombarda - who was on a dead end track/alley - at WillemII)
But even more important is that Machlas let other people score. Because he is so extremely dangerous with the ball he always gets two defenders 'round his neck. Therefore players like Van der Gun and (last year) Knopper get loads of space.

I'm atill quite happy with him.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2000


Congratulations to Nikos Machlas on the birth of his son!! May the little guy be a future AJAX striker who will carry on the proud Machlas name.I also hope Arveladze silences his critics,me included.I would be only too happy to eat humble pie if Shota can come up aces.But, back to Nikos. I also think a strikers worth can be measured by the opportunities his presence creates for others. Is it coincidence that Wamberto and Ikedia have seemed more dangerous since Nikos returned? Or that the likes of van der Vaart and Galasek have more offensive operating room in the center of the pitch? One coincidence maybe written off as just that...coincidence. But two; I really believe Machlas is having an impact.

Finally, As a supporter, I would be more concerned if Machlas were not getting chances or half-chances. I believe it is only a matter of time before the goals begin to come; and sooner rather than later.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000


Some news from Ajax.nl and AT5:

Nikos Machlas will NOT be in the Ajax squad for this Sunday's game against FC Utrecht, for the most beautiful reason in the world: Machlas has rushed to Athens, Greece, where his wife has given birth to their second child, a little boy. Co Adriaanse has given Machlas a few days off.

Shota Arveladze - who scored las Sunday, against NAC - is most likely to play on Machlas' spot.

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2000


I would like to see Machlas score more goals, too, but it's far more important that the TEAM scores enough goals as a whole. Which they do (accept against Lausanne): Ajax is unbeaten since the PSV game, so don't worry. Machlas provided the assist for the winning goal against Willem II, and Ajax took the lead against De Graafschap by scoring a penalty, which was given because a defender was forced to push Machlas over. Otherwise, Machlas would have scored that goal himself.

-- Anonymous, November 23, 2000

HE'S NOT SCORING ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!! JUST WHEN IT SEEMED OK, TOO!!!! WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME HE SCORED.........PSV!!!!! AND THAT WAS A GOAL THAT WAS SCORED BECAUSE OF A BAD BACK PASS TO THE GOALIE TO!!!!! THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

Ps sorry about the caps, just felt like it...

-- Anonymous, November 23, 2000


Saw a report of an Ajax training session the other day and it was asy to tell that Nikos Machlas feels much better than last year. His former Vitesse team mates told some stories about him. Machlas is a very gentle, sweet guy, they said, who needs a friendly and warm atmosphere in order to feel 'at home'. He always looked sad last year, after having missed another unmissable chance. There was no hope in his eyes, no fire. A huge difference with the Nikos Machlas we see now: a witty guy, enjoying the training games, making some time to pay attention to every fan or admiring youth player. He's scored a handful of goals now and he's playing very well. I think Nikos Machlas' career at Ajax did not start last season, but this season.

-- Anonymous, November 09, 2000

Nikos Machlas' return from injury is a welcome sight. His goal scoring record in past matches makes him one of the top strikers in the Eredivisie. He was not yet fit when I watched AJAX- Groningen in September so I only had the pleasure of watching him this past weekend. My first observation is that he seems as quick as ever. He was able to move away from defenders to place himself in good ball receiving position. He also had excellent fitness. To play the minutes he did on such a sloppy pitch is no small feat for a man coming off an injury. He also held up well against the physical challenges that any good defence hands out to the other sides top danger man.His goal was also well taken, proving that his scoring eye is still there.

I think Machlas' play will also have the effect of concentrating the attention of defences away from the wings, allowing the speed of AJAX flank players to come into play more.Also, his work ethic will I hope be a lesson to the youth of AJAX-1 ,that hard work and determination count for alot.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000


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