Despite radical changes to the squad in the first season under Nikolaidis, players, fans and club staff came together to create a carnival atmosphere at every AEK game. Led by captain Katsouranis, the team responded with some heroic performances, only missing the championship on the final day of the campaign. "Everyone connected with the club was united for one purpose: the team", said Katsouranis. "First we had to make the club financially healthy, and then to make sure everything was well organised".