Another soulless derby from AEK
AGONAsport’s AEK contributor, Greg Gavalas, talks about the Kitrinomvari’s disappointing display against Olympiacos, which resulted in another derby without a victory.
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Before the derby against Olympiacos, I hoped for two things: One, a derby win, given it has been since April 2018 when AEK last celebrated victory against one of the Big-four clubs; Two, a solid attacking performance in where AEK would take the game to Olympiacos. Sadly neither happened. The two teams played out a dismal derby match, however, AEK’s performance was very poor, and the goalless draw was the best possible result for the Enosis, who failed to threaten for a big win.
AEK fans were optimistic about this game before kick-off. Head coach, Massimo Carerra, has provided good technical coaching, and the team were coming off an impressive 3-1 away win to Volos FC. Impressive because AEK played good, flowing attacking football and created many chances, however, neither transpired in Sunday’s derby at the OAKA Stadium.
Carrera went with a 4-3-3 formation to start the game, and there were no surprises in the line-up from a defensive look. The midfield was made up of Andre Simoes, Nenad Kristicic, and new signing, Damian Szymanski, who had a great game in Volos.
The attacking trio featured Petros Mantalos and Daniele Verde on either side of Marko Livaja.
The surprise decision was Nelson Oliveira on the bench, who has been continuously linked with a potential move to Premier League outfit, Wolverhampton, of which an improved offer of €6.5 million is expected this week.
Unlike other derbies, AEK never really got going in this match. The Olympiacos players dominated the 50-50 challenges, and their movement with the ball was better. As a result, their players were in better positions. A positive takeaway, however, for AEK was that the defence stood firm, and Ognjen Vranjes led them well with Marios Oikonomou by his side. The two centre-backs were the only AEK players winning headers and heading effectively.
Olympiacos coach, Petro Martins, set his team up well. The high press on the AEK defence proved effective as the Enosis reverted to long balls from defence to attack - which was ineffective - and Carerra was forced to change his initial approach after just 30 minutes. Szymanski was subbed off for Oliveria, and that switched AEK to a 4-2-3-1 - a formation I was hoping to see from kick-off as AEK have yet to play well in a big game with three defensive midfielders.
Although it seemed as if Szymanski was the only midfielder that was getting stuck in, holding the ball, and looking to play out - even though this was proving difficult for the team - he was replaced on the half-hour mark.
Olympiacos dominating possession – 62% vs. AEK’s 38% - and that is nothing to be proud of (Mr. Carerra). AEK need to do better in this regard.
Olympiacos’ Senegalese defenders, Ousseynou Ba and Pape Abou Cisse handled AEK’s attacks with ease and won the aerial battles as if it were a friendly match. Both Oliveira and Marko Livaja offered nothing to the AEK attack, while Mantalos and Verde did try, but to no avail. Michalis Bakakis was also dealt with easily on the right side, and his lack of technical skills prove costly in games like these. Helder Lopez, at left wing-back, did a bit better, but his attacking raids were limited.
One of the significant contrasts between the two teams is the inability of Simoes and Kristicic to get any form of expansive passing game going forward. Kristisic was particularly poor with his passes finding more Olympiacos players rather than his teammates. On the other hand, Simoes does lots of dirty work in the middle of the park, but he needs to do better with the ball - not to mention he received another red card in a big match from a silly challenge, which resulted in a second yellow card.
AEK’s best player in the first game against Olympiacos was Christos Albanis. He came on in the 77th minute on Sunday. If AEK are going to snap their winless derby streak, this player needs to start. He is direct, can hold the ball, and can take on players more effectively against stronger opposition compared to Verde. Marko Livaja needs to also do better as his form, against Olympiacos especially, has been ordinary.
AEK play Asteras Tripolis in the Greek Cup this week and Atromitos in the Super League next weekend before they meet Panathinaikos, who are only four points behind in the standings.
These are good games to put Szymanski into the mix and get more comfortable with the 4-2-3-1 formation. It will be interesting to see which formation Carrera favours as it currently seems to be a mix of a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, and 3-5-2.
If AEK land legendary striker, Sergio Araujo, and do not sell Oliveira, it could change things again. If there is one thing sure, AEK need to improve in their derby fixtures, especially with the playoffs around the corner.
