Skibbe struggling ahead of vital October games
Skibbe struggling ahead of vital October games
In 2017, Michael Skibbe enjoyed a promising spell at the helm of the Greek national team, but results have gradually fallen away again and he’s now fighting to stay in his job. AGONAsport investigates further.
When Skibbe began managing the Ethniki Omada in October 2015, the Greek national team was in a ridiculously poor state, having endured a terrible UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign which included embarrassing losses to the Faroe Islands. Initially, the 53-year old’s tenure began with defeats against Luxembourg, Iceland and Belarus, however he turned things around and brought the country within two matches of an appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
However, the manner of defeat against Croatia in the World Cup qualifying playoffs should have sent the alarm bells ringing. Famous for their defensive abilities, the Greeks were dreadful at the back in Zagreb, conceding four ridiculously cheap goals with some interesting squad selections. Since then, the Ethniki have looked rather suspicious at the back, conceding five goals in five games with four of them scored by Saudi Arabia and Hungary. Ageing veterans such as Giorgos Tzavellas and Vasilis Torosidis continue to be selected despite glaring mistakes being committed on a regular basis.
The main problem is obvious for all to see - the lack of goals. Yes, Greece have never been a potent attacking threat, but the forward line is crying out for some creativity and effectiveness. In 25 matches under Skibbe’s leadership, the team has scored a mere 29 goals, only netting more than two markers in one game on two occasions (4:1 and 4:0 victories against minnows Gibraltar).
Unfortunately, the over reliance on Marseille hitman Konstantinos Mitroglou is becoming extremely apparent. The talented 30-year old, who is starting to make an impression with Ligue 1 club Marseille after a tricky debut season, is the only Greek forward of true European level and without him, the remaining attackers are toothless. Nikos Karelis isn’t consistent enough, Anastasios Donis likes to play as a second striker, Michalis Manias is not a player of international class and young Efthymis Koulouris needs to be handed more opportunities to show his potential with the Ethniki. On the topic of Koulouris, he’s made a superb start to the season on loan at Atromitos from PAOK, transforming into the top scorer among all Greek strikers so far. Surely Skibbe has to give him substantial game time in the Nations League.
After the bitter 1:2 loss at Hungary in September, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) supposedly organised a meeting with Skibbe, making it clear that his days in the hotseat are numbered if Greece don’t start achieving positive results on the pitch. With Skibbe still picking the likes of Torosidis, Alexandros Tziolis, pressure from the fan base is rapidly increasing and he desperately requires success to somehow retain his position. Can he steady the ship, find a solution to the defensive worries and create some offensive traction with a weakened squad? The doubters are certainly in the majority.
by Shaun Nicolaides
Image Source: to10.gr
Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!