AEK Athens prepares for Champions League with Dutch pre‑season amid squad gaps

AEK continued its pre‑season training in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, staying until 2 August before returning to Athens. The club scheduled three friendlies: a match against Chvolé on Sunday, a closed‑doors game versus Samsunspor on Wednesday, and a final friendly on 2 August against Belgian side Sint‑Truiden.

Coach Marco Nicolits is using the intensive schedule – five matches in less than five days – to ready the squad for a busy August. Key upcoming fixtures include the Super Cup final on 12 August in Crete, the Champions League play‑off first leg on 18‑19 August, the Stoiximan Super League opener on 22‑23 August against Iraklis in New Philadelphia, and the second‑leg Champions League tie on 25‑26 August.

Meanwhile, AEK faces notable roster gaps. The team is without striker Pineda and lacks backup options for Rota, Zumbkov and Elijason. Nicolits has indicated the need for one or two additional signings, aiming to reach his target of 14‑15 competitive players for the new season.