Greek club coach Nikos Makrakis has explained how his club are “very happy” with the relationship they hold with Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Makrakis is currently coach of PO Atsaleniou [POA]. The Greek third division club is where Giakoumakis started his career all the way back in 2011.
The Crete-based minnows have since always been kept in touch with by the Celtic striker. And it’s been revealed that during lockdown, Giakoumakis took time out of his schedule to put on webinars for the POA youngsters.
Makrakis has talked up the relationship and the class of Giakoumakis as he said the following to the Scottish Sun:
“We have had great webinars with Giorgos and all the participants loved it. He was a great teacher for our kids. He is in contact with POA and we are very happy with this.
“When he is in Crete he always comes to train on our football field. He knows that everyone at POA loves to see him. I must also say that during the lockdown, when Giorgos was in Poland he had regular communication with the academy kids.
“He sent videos and encouraged them to be patient until coronavirus ends.”
Lockdown gesture says a lot about Giorgos Giakoumakis’ character
Giakoumakis has come across as a confident player since signing for Celtic. Some may misconstrue that confidence as arrogance too. Especially given his recent comments comparing the Hoops with Rangers [Clyde 1].
But if you want a proper insight into the man himself, then this is exactly that from Makrakis. You can always respect players who don’t forget their roots. Clearly, Giakoumakis is extremely thankful for POA for giving him an opportunity to showcase his talents.
Whilst his lockdown lessons came back in 2020 during his time with Polish club Gornik Zabrze, it’s clear he remains in contact with his first club to this very day.
It’s even more heartwarming considering the fact he was actually only with POA for a year. He earned a move to Platanias before then getting his big chance with AEK Athens. Despite only being there for a short period, the Celtic striker still understands what they did for his career.
It’s fantastic stuff, and says a lot more about him than some comments in the media about the title-race. Evidently, he’s left a big mark on POA too.
Finally, it’s all coming together for the former VVV-Venlo star after his first Greece call-up. Going by these comments from Makrakis – he certainly deserves it.
In other news, Celtic star Matt O’Riley seriously impressing Danish coach already
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