# Panathinaikos appoints Nistrup, pre‑season & European push > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panathinaikos-hires-danish-coach > Updated: 2026-08-07T15:56:57.000Z. Sources: 84. Developments: 39. After the July 2024 Conference League qualifiers, Panathinaikos entered a new phase in 2026. In May the club reached a verbal agreement with Danish manager Jesper Næstrup, later formalising a 2 + 1‑year contract worth over €1.2 million and confirming his staff, including assistant Stefan Mansen. The appointment was presented officially on 21 June, with owner Giannis Alafouzos describing the club as a “sleeping giant”. The team began a pre‑season camp in the Netherlands, playing a series of friendlies: a 4‑0 win over Helmond Sport, a 3‑1 victory (and a 0‑0 draw in a separate fixture) against Ajax, and a 3‑0 triumph over Grasshoppers. Coach Nistrup highlighted the squad’s high‑pressing, ball circulation and the integration of recent signings such as forward André Tétei, midfielder Etien Kamara, defender Davide Pelistri and goalkeeper Inaki Pena. Transfer activity focused on strengthening central midfield, with the club targeting Danish midfielder Matias Jense (Brentford) and Manchester United’s Matej Gensen, while also preparing an offer of more than €6 million for Jense. In July, Panathinaikos secured a 2‑1 away win over Paksi in the Conference League second‑qualifying round, taking a lead into the OAKA return leg. Stadium preparations continued, including the installation of a new grass pitch ahead of the domestic season opener. The club also promoted six academy graduates to professional contracts, underscoring a broader strategy of youth development alongside the senior team’s European ambitions. Overall, the 2026 timeline shows Panathinaikos consolidating a new coaching regime, expanding its squad, and progressing in European competition while modernising facilities and nurturing home‑grown talent. ## Claims - Adriano Jagušić scored his first official goal for Panathinaikos. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The goal was scored in the 44th minute of the second leg of the Conference League second‑qualifying round against Paks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match ended 2‑2 and Panathinaikos advanced 4‑3 on aggregate. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jagušić transferred from Slaven Belupo to Panathinaikos for €5.2 million in February. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Adriano Jagušić scored his first official goal for Panathinaikos in the Conference League match against Paks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The goal was scored in the 44th minute to equalise the match at 1‑1. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jagušić transferred from Slaven Belupa to Panathinaikos in February for €5.2 million. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Jagušić played 79 minutes in the first-leg match against Paks. (corroborated by 3 sources) - His contract with Panathinaikos runs until the summer of 2030. (corroborated by 2 sources) - His market value is estimated at €5 million. (single source) - He was named best player of the match by SofaScore with a rating of 8.7/10. (single source) - He completed 33 of 39 passes and won 8 of 13 duels in the match. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-07: Panathinaikos promotes six academy players to professional contracts Panathinaikos signed six academy graduates—Athanasákis, Demetrakópoulos, Doukás, Kásimos, Kokkinós and Xydías—to three‑year professional contracts as part of its summer overhaul. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-promotes-six-academy-players-to-professional-contracts ### 2026-07-31: Panathinaikos deals with player absences and eyes midfield signing ahead of pre‑season Panathinaikos starts pre‑season with three players delayed by national duty, Giannis Antetokounmpo still out, and seeks a midfield signing after Pavlos Pantelidis' injury. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-deals-with-player-absences-and-eyes-midfield-signing-ahead-of-preseason ### 2026-07-30: Adriano Jagušić scores first goal for Panathinaikos in Conference League Adriano Jagušić scored his first Panathinaikos goal in a 2‑2 draw with Paks, sending the Greek side through 4‑3 on aggregate in the Conference League. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adriano-jagui-scores-first-goal-for-panathinaikos-in-conference-league-draw-with-paks ### 2026-07-23: Panathinaikos Secures 2-1 Win Over Paksi to Lead Conference League Qualification Panathinaikos beat Paksi 2‑1 in Hungary to lead the Conference League qualifying round, securing an advantage for the home leg at OAKA. 36 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-begins-conference-league-campaign-against-paks-in-hungary ### 2026-07-17: Panathinaikos football academy unveils new organizational chart Panathinaikos detailed its academy's new structure, marking progress after one year of a development plan, with U17 champions, 33 tournament entries, and modernized coaching and support. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-football-academy-unveils-new-organizational-chart ### 2026-07-16: Panathinaikos coach Nistrop outlines lineup and reacts to 4-1 friendly loss before PAOK clash Panathinaikos coach Giacomo Nistrop reviews lineup options and cites a 4-1 friendly loss to Rapid Wien as a lesson ahead of the PAOK European tie, noting injury concerns and a clear plan for the squad. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-coach-nistrop-outlines-lineup-and-reacts-to-4-1-friendly-loss-before-paok-clash ### 2026-07-13: Panathinaikos loses 4-1 to Rapid Wien in Vienna friendly Panathinaikos fell 4-1 to Rapid Wien in a Vienna friendly, exposing defensive weaknesses and seeing defender Ingason injured before upcoming European qualifiers. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-set-for-final-preconference-league-friendly-against-rapid-wien ### 2026-07-13: Panathinaikos pre‑season under new coach Jacob Nistrop looks promising Panathinaikos, under new coach Jacob Nistrop, won three pre‑season friendlies (4‑0, 3‑1, 3‑0), scored ten goals, and added six new signings as it readies for Conference League qualifiers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-preseason-under-new-coach-jacob-nistrop-looks-promising ### 2026-07-12: Panathinaikos readies new OAKA turf ahead of season kickoff Panathinaikos speeds up installation of a new grass pitch at OAKA, targeting readiness for the 30 July league opener versus Paksi and its UEFA Conference League hopes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-readies-new-oaka-turf-ahead-of-season-kickoff ### 2026-07-11: Adriano Jagušić nets first goal for Panathinaikos in 3-0 friendly win Adriano Jagušić scored his first goal for Panathinaikos in a 3‑0 friendly win over Grasshoppers, marking a promising start to his season after a €5 million‑valued transfer from Slaven Belupo. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adriano-jagui-nets-first-goal-for-panathinaikos-in-3-0-friendly-win ### 2026-07-10: Panathinaikos dominate Grasshoppers 3-0 in pre‑season friendly Panathinaikos beat Grasshoppers 3‑0 in a pre‑season friendly, with goals from Giakousi, Zaruri and Tamborda, sparking optimism for the upcoming Conference League qualifiers. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-to-host-grasshopper-in-first-home-friendly-at-leoforos ### 2026-07-08: Ajax Lose 3-1 to Panathinaikos in First Friendly Under New Coach Míchel Ajax fell 3‑1 to Panathinaikos in their first friendly under new coach Míchel, with a delayed kickoff due to fan flares and missing players Mika Godts and Caio Henrique. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ajax-lose-3-1-to-panathinaikos-in-first-friendly-under-new-coach-mchel ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos coach Nistrup satisfied despite 1-3 friendly loss to Ajax Coach Jozek Nistrup said Panathinaikos' 1‑3 friendly loss to Ajax had overall positive take‑aways, praised several players, noted Kalambri’s stomach pain, and urged better ball control. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/coach-nistrop-praises-panathinaikos-after-1-3-friendly-loss-to-ajax ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos defeats Ajax 3-1 in friendly on Dutch training camp Panathinaikos beat Ajax 3-1 in a friendly at Ermel, Netherlands, with goals from Τσάπρα, Ινγκασον, Γιάγκουσιτς and Ταμπόρδα, and Rastonder debuting as a substitute. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-defeats-ajax-3-1-in-friendly-on-dutch-training-camp ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos beats Ajax 3-1 in Dutch pre‑season friendly Panathinaikos defeated Ajax 3-1 in a Dutch pre‑season friendly, with goals from Tetei, Zaruari and Tamborda; Ajax’s consolation came from Conantou’s header. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-beats-ajax-3-1-in-dutch-preseason-friendly ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos beats Ajax 3-1 in dominant friendly Panathinaikos defeated Ajax 3-1 in a friendly in the Netherlands, with goals from Tette, Zarouris and Tamborda, showcasing coach Jacques Nistrup’s tactics. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-beats-ajax-3-1-in-dominant-friendly ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos defeats Ajax 3-1 in preseason friendly in Netherlands Panathinaikos beat Ajax 3-1 in a Dutch preseason friendly, with goals from Teté, Zaruiri and Tamporda; Ajax’s goal came from Konantou. The win boosts confidence ahead of upcoming matches and Conference League. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-defeats-ajax-3-1-in-preseason-friendly-in-netherlands ### 2026-07-04: PAOK 4-0 Vesterlo and Panathinaikos 3-1 Ajax in Dutch pre‑season friendlies PAOK beat Vesterlo 4‑0, with Manti Kamara scoring twice, while Panathinaikos defeated Ajax 3‑1 in Dutch pre‑season friendlies. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paok-4-0-vesterlo-and-panathinaikos-3-1-ajax-in-dutch-preseason-friendlies ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos beats Ajax 3-1 in Dutch friendly, coach Nistreup satisfied Panathinaikos beat Ajax 3‑1 in a Dutch friendly; coach Nistreup praised the performance but noted areas to improve. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-coach-jacek-nistriup-pleased-after-3-1-friendly-win-over-aek ### 2026-07-04: Panathinaikos and Ajax draw 0-0 in friendly in the Netherlands Panathinaikos played a 0‑0 pre‑season friendly against Ajax in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, the final warm‑up before returning to Athens. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-and-ajax-draw-0-0-in-friendly-in-the-netherlands ### 2026-07-04: Ajax to debut coach Míchel in pre‑season friendly against Panathinaikos Ajax will face Panathinaikos on 4 July in Ermelo, marking head coach Míchel’s first match; the friendly streams live via Ajax’s official platforms. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ajax-to-debut-coach-mchel-in-preseason-friendly-against-panathinaikos ### 2026-07-03: Panathinaikos beats Ajax 3-1 in friendly match in the Netherlands Panathinaikos won 3-1 over Ajax in a pre‑season friendly in the Netherlands, with goals from Teté, Zaruri and Taborda; Ajax’s lone goal came from Konanou. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-to-face-ajax-in-preseason-friendly-at-ermelou ### 2026-07-01: Panathinaikos defeats Helmond Sport 4‑0 in friendly Panathinaikos beat Helmond Sport 4‑0 in a friendly, with the coach lauding the performance and new signings, fans demanding a title, and midfielder Binieris pledging to play any position. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-defeats-helmond-sport-40-in-friendly ### 2026-06-30: Panathinaikos beats Helmond Sport 4‑0 in Dutch pre‑season friendly Panathinaikos opened its pre‑season with a 4‑0 win over Helmond Sport in the Netherlands, under new coach Jesper Nistrop, ahead of upcoming friendlies and a Conference League tie. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-defeats-helmond-sport-4-0-in-first-dutch-friendly ### 2026-06-30: Panathinaikos coach Nistrup praises 4‑0 friendly win and training progress Panathinaikos beat Helmond Sport 4‑0 in the Netherlands; coach Nistrup praised the performance, set‑piece work and recent signings while outlining training focus on pressing and tactics. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-coach-nistrup-praises-40-friendly-win-and-training-progress ### 2026-06-28: Panathinaikos young fans attend training session in Amsterdam Three Greek fans aged 8‑12 visited Panathinaikos' Amsterdam training, wore club shirts, watched the session and took photos with players. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-young-fans-attend-training-session-in-amsterdam ### 2026-06-26: Panathinaikos trains in the Netherlands and plans striker Desser's return Panathinaikos holds a pre‑season camp in the Netherlands, preparing for Conference League friendlies and overseeing striker Cyril Desser's gradual rehab for a hoped‑for late‑summer return. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-trains-in-the-netherlands-and-plans-striker-dessers-return ### 2026-06-24: Panathinaikos hires Nistreup, calls club a “sleeping giant” Carlos Nistreup becomes Panathinaikos coach, calling the club a “sleeping giant” and pledging championship ambitions and new signings. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-hires-nistreup-calls-club-a-sleeping-giant ### 2026-06-21: Panathinaikos appoints Danish coach Jacob Nistreup as head manager Panathinaikos hired Danish coach Jacob Nistreup, emphasizing his champion experience, hard‑work ethos, and winning mentality, with club officials Alafouzos and Kotzolis praising the move. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-appoints-danish-coach-jacob-nistreup-as-head-manager ### 2026-06-21: Panathinaikos appoints Jacob Nistrup as new head coach Panathinaikos unveiled Jacob Nistrup as head coach on 21 June, with owner Alafouzos and technical director Kotsolis praising his record. Nistrup pledged to harness pressure, build a winning squad and pursue top 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-names-jesper-nistro-head-coach-ahead-of-european-campaign ### 2026-06-20: Panathinaikos dominates summer transfer market with multiple high‑profile signings Panathinaikos bolstered its squad with André Tétei, Santiago Antino, Etien Kamara and Triantafyllos Tsapra, showcasing financial power and a strategic overhaul ahead of the new season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-dominates-summer-transfer-market-with-multiple-highprofile-signings ### 2026-06-19: Greek football clubs Panathinaikos and AEK preview upcoming season Panathinaikos starts preseason under coach Jakob Nistrup and eyes new signings, while AEK rides a title‑winning, European‑run season that lifted player values and drives upcoming transfer plans. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-football-clubs-panathinaikos-and-aek-preview-upcoming-season ### 2026-06-18: Panathinaikos to face Ajax in Netherlands pre‑season friendly Panathinaikos, led by new coach Giakob Nistrup, trained in Greece before a friendly versus Ajax in the Netherlands on 4 July, the final pre‑season match before returning home. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-to-face-ajax-in-netherlands-preseason-friendly ### 2026-06-16: Jacob Nistrup Begins Coaching Panathinaikos, Holds First Training Session Jacob Nistrup welcomes Panathinaikos fans and leads his first training, with several internationals absent and the coach emphasizing high‑tempo ball work. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jacob-nistrup-begins-coaching-panathinaikos-holds-first-training-session ### 2026-06-09: Panathinaikos offers €6 million to Brentford for midfielder Mathias Jansen Panathinaikos has tabled a €6 million offer to Brentford for Danish midfielder Mathias Jansen, proposing a three‑year deal with salaries above €2 million per year, as negotiations continue. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-offers-6-million-to-brentford-for-midfielder-mathias-jansen ### 2026-06-07: Panathinaikos seeks to sign Manchester United midfielder Gensen Panathinaikos is preparing a high bid to sign Manchester United midfielder Matej Gensen, amid contract extension talks with United. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-seeks-to-sign-manchester-united-midfielder-gensen ### 2026-06-04: Panathinaikos Targets Brentford Midfielder Matias Jense for Transfer Panathinaikos aim to sign Brentford midfielder Matias Jense, who rejected a longer deal at the English club, as coach Nystrup pushes for the 30‑year‑old to bolster the Greek side’s midfield. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-eyes-brentford-midfielder-matias-jensen ### 2026-05-25: Panathinaikos finalises Jacob Nystrup coaching deal Panathinaikos is set to sign Danish coach Jacob Nystrup on a 2+1 year deal worth over €1.2 million, with bonuses and a new staff, pending final signatures on 26 May. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-finalises-jacob-nystrup-coaching-deal ### 2026-05-23: Panathinaikos reaches deal with Danish coach Jesper Næstrup Panathinaikos has agreed in principle to hire Danish coach Jesper Næstrup, pending a contract signing expected this weekend after parting with Rafa Benítez. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panathinaikos-reaches-deal-with-danish-coach-jesper-nstrup --- Cite as: Panathinaikos appoints Nistrup, pre‑season & European push. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panathinaikos-hires-danish-coach