She paid down her… exile: The “El Paso” that was missing in Kallithea

Undoubtedly, the factor is a decisive element in the course of a team in every football season.

In the case of Athens Kallitheaabsence from its physical seat, the history “El Paso”played a decisive role in its relegation from Stoiximan Super League to Super League 2.

If Stelios Maleza’s team competed during her maiden participation in the Stoiximan Super League, in “El Paso” and not on the Avenue, it is very likely that she would have secured her stay in the first category.

El Paso is more than just a stadium for Kallithea.

It is a reference point for the fans, a place where the team’s history has been written and a key pillar of its identity. The intimacy of players with the stadium, the support of the world up close and the sense of “home” give a psychological and racing advantage that cannot be replaced. When a group is cut off from its headquarters, it loses this valuable advantage.

The move to Avenueno matter how historical is his stadium Panathinaicit meant Athens Kallithea Loss of identity and essentially “neutral” struggles. The platforms did not have the same vitality, the passion was missing and this was reflected in the results. Athens Kallithea lost critical games where, in other circumstances in front of her world, she might have gained points that would make the difference.

Psychology in football plays a decisive role. The players were forced to adapt to a different environment without the support of the active presence of their fans. The distance of the world from Avenue, combined with the lack of football identification with this area, has a catalytic effect on the presence in the stands.

The importance of the physical seat by Athens Kallithea had felt it in her “bump” just last season.

El Paso was a key weapon in the course of the rise to the Stoiximan Super League. In the Super League 2, the team presented impressive consistency and stability especially in its home matches, where with the power of the world it has reached decisive victories that led it to winning the championship.

The atmosphere of a “full of El Paso” was never replaced.

So yes, if Athens Kallithea was playing at “El Paso”, he probably would not have been relegated, and it is not unfounded to say that this relegation was not only judged in the lines, but also outside – to the deprivation of the most important advantage: the “home”.