Just Play YOUR Game
AGONAsport’s Olympiacos contributor, Theo Bouras, talks about Olympiacos’ disappointing loss to Arsenal on Thursday and turns his attention to Sunday’s big clash away to PAOK in the Super League.
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As disappointing as the 0-1 loss to Arsenal in the Europa League knockout round must feel right now, the Erythrolefki need to pick themselves up and not be discouraged. After all, it’s Olympiacos who have been by far the Greek Super League’s best team so far this season. The only reason why PAOK are even remotely close to the Legend in the standings is due to some questionable off-the-field tactics.
A Tough Thursday Night
There seemed to be overconfidence, perhaps even a cockiness last week by some when discussing the Gunners. Many pointed out that Arsenal are not having a fantastic season and currently sit tenth in the English Premier League. There is only one issue with that train of thought; Arsenal remain Arsenal. As much as Pedro Martins’ team took it to the English side, their futility in front of the net inevitably led fans to believe that his side would eventually concede one.
As much as Andreas Bouchalakis did not have the best game of his life, it’s tough to understand his substitution for Kostas Fortounis. Logically, Martins wanted to get the Greek attacking midfielder in the game to create openings and pump some life in his offense. Fortounis should have replaced Mathieu Valbuena; the French star looked very passionate and did not stop running all game, but he eventually began to look his age and ran out of gas. Besides, Valbuena figures to be a big part of the game this Sunday at Toumba Stadium; therefore, he could have used some extra rest.
Martins’ other substitution did not have much of an impact. Giorgos Masouras is struggling at the moment and is not in form. With recent departures and injuries, the Greek winger continues being the only option on the flanks. Masouras, however, has been poor, and the crowd has let him have it. His confidence has taken a beating, but coach Martins continues to have faith in him. Masouras was subbed off for young Argentinian, Maximiliano Lovera. The 20-year-old is better suited to play in a central attacking position role due to his lack of speed. Looking back at Thursday’s game, Lazar Randjelovic, who had a memorable summer, would have probably been better suited to counter Bukayo Saka.
The Thrylos will have their work cut out for them when they visit London this upcoming week, but their focus now shifts to the Greek Super League and the clash with second-placed PAOK.
Derby Time
Unlike Olympiacos, PAOK have had the luxury of playing once a week since the summer as they did not qualify for any European competitions this season. Pedro Martins is aware that some of his players have been practically playing twice a week since the start of the season, and he might need to make some adjustments. Expect to see Kostas Fortounis play some big minutes in Thessaloniki on Sunday. The team captain is looking more match-fit each time we see him on the pitch, and he is a real game-changer. Ahmed Hassan has been scorching hot since joining the team, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in the starting scheme come game time.
Olympiacos have the luxury of heading up North with a two-point lead; they are in the driver’s seat. A win would put them ahead five points and give them a commanding lead heading into the Playoffs. A tie would preserve their lead in the standings and would leave their destiny in their hands. In the worst-case scenario, a PAOK victory would only put the Dikefalos tou Vorra ahead by one point – hardly an insurmountable lead with 11 games left to play.
The media in Thessaloniki has tried to create a level of intimidation heading to the game this week. Olympiacos need to stay focused and play their game; they are the better team, and this season has been a testament to that. If the game is decided on the pitch, Olympiacos should have a great chance at victory. Then again, in a stadium where we have seen guns, scooters in the crowd, objects thrown, and fans invading the pitch only to get kung-fu kicked, anything and everything will most likely happen this Sunday.
