Heading into the 2024 regular season, which kicks off for Atlanta United February 24 on the road in Columbus, Giakoumakis shared he was encouraged by the way the 5-Stripes played in the second half of 2023. The club finished the regular season ranked second in MLS in goals scored (66), trailing only MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew.
Atlanta United returns many of its attacking players who helped create one of the most productive attacks in MLS last season. A handful of those players who were added during the summer transfer window will also return: Saba Lobjanidze, Tristan Muyumba and Xande Silva, whose option was exercised in December.
“After the summer, we were a totally different team,” Giakoumakis said. “We added some players that made the difference for us. If we stick together the same group, we can be even better and end up in a higher spot.”
“They’re guys with experience, so they can bring this winning mentality to us,” Giakoumakis continued. “With their help, we can go to the next level, to aim for something bigger. They were helpful throughout the second part of the [2023] season, and I think they’re going to be even more this year.”
Perhaps most importantly for Giakoumakis, the offseason provided some well-earned, and much-needed, rest. Giakoumakis joined Atlanta United in February 2023, straight from Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership. The Premiership season runs from around August through April/May, which means essentially Giakoumakis was playing competitively while Atlanta United was in their offseason.
So, getting some designated time for recovery, rest and time with family this time around was very much appreciated.
“It was a lifesaver,” Giakoumakis said. “Mostly about my body. Physically I was feeling that I needed to stop for a bit because I was playing for a full year and a half. My body was giving me some signs. Not in the end, in the end I was feeling great, but during the season like small thigh injuries that I’d never had before. My body was reacting. It was very crucial to have these days off to rebuild my body, my fitness and everything to be in the top level again.”
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