Summers build champions
AGONAsport’s Olympiacos contributor, Theo Bouras, talks about the exceptional job Olympiacos have done this offseason in preparing their roster for the upcoming campaign in both Greece and Europe.
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Summers haven’t always been kind to Olympiacos. Back in 2016, the Erythrolefki showed a lack of organization and structure in their transfers. This led to manager Marco Silva leaving before the pre-season training had even started. An eventual UEFA Champions League qualifying loss to Hapoel Beer-Sheva meant that the team would not participate in Europe premier club competition. One year later in 2017, the team made quick moves and qualified for the Champions League group stages only to have a catastrophic domestic season.
One thing is for certain, the summer transfer season is where winners are built and champions are made. This year, the administration has shown structure and poise as it pertains to their transfers; with 11 transfers already made, the squad is all but set for their Champions League clash with Viktoria Plzen.
During the pre-season, videos have surfaced of the players singing together, going out for supper, and enjoying each other’s company. This comradery started last summer with Lazaros Christodoulopoulos who was a breath of fresh air and that trend has continued this year. The gang looks like they care for one another and that can only mean good things for the season to come.
Not Messing Around
Unlike past seasons where transfers were being made deep into the month of August, Olympiacos fans can make the case that their team is ready to start the season right now. The holes that Pedro Martins felt he had last year in his roster have been filled.
Of course, when you’re Olympiacos, it’s tough to say that transfers are finished while there is still time left in the transfer window. The team hasn’t shown any desire to part ways with any of their Starting XI players (Pape Abou Cisse and Leonardo Koutris had been rumored to be leaving). By completing the transfers this early, Martins is able to integrate all of his pieces to the team and ensure that they will be ready for their upcoming European games. Unlike prior seasons where players joined the team late in the transfer window, Martins will now have all of his weapons to his disposal.
Oh, Captain!
It hasn’t all been roses for the Legend this summer. Team captain, Kostas Fortounis, suffered an ACL injury that will keep him out of action until at least February! The Greek international had 17 goals and 16 assists last season and his production will not be duplicated.
French star, Mathieu Valbuena, will take over as the team’s main attacking midfielder for the time being. Valbuena is 35 years old and can’t be relied upon to play twice a week if Olympiacos want to make a run in Europe. Fortounis’ calm demeanor and ability to slow the game down to his style will be dearly missed.
Last summer, the seeds were planted for a new Olympiacos. While the Erythrolefki did not accomplish what they wanted in 2018/19 campaign, it was the “restart” button they needed. The continuity between 2018/19 and 2019/20 cannot be denied. The same manager has been entrusted to lead the club, the core members of the squad are staying put, and the appropriate transfers have been made. The supporters have shown outstanding support – the season ticket holders figure has risen to 20,000! Now, the team needs to do their part; step on the pitch and once again show all of Greece who Olympiacos are.
