The K. Nikolakopoulos explains in his Gazzetta blog why the rotation that Mendiliber does in the league does not “come out” after Olympiakos’ games in Europe.
Like every other team that plays in the Europa League, especially this year’s with the very demanding games, Olympiacos’ big problem is the league games that follow the European ones.
Thursday Europe, the championship on Sunday (even a case on Monday) is a condition that makes it difficult for Mendiliber, who tries to deal with it in the well-known way, the rotation. At least for the so-called games with the small and medium players of the league. Because when he has a derby after Europe, Vaskos doesn’t make many changes – and he probably vindicates himself:
After the 3-0 against Braga, he made one change (also mandatory) in the 11 of Olympiakos against Panathinaikos in OAKA. The result was 0-0 with the “red and whites” having significant opportunities for a double in the second half…
And then the 1-1 draw with Rangers made three changes (one mandatory) to the Olympiacos XI against PAOK at OAKA. The result was 3-2 in favor of the “red and white” who actually led 2-0 and 3-1.
When, however, Olympiacos immediately after its games in the Europa League has smaller games, Medilibar gives it and understands with the changes in the lineup.
After the 0-2 from Lyon in France had seven changes in Olympiacos-Atromitos 2-0.
After 1-0 over Malmö in Sweden had six changes in Asteras Tripoli-Olympiakos 1-0.
After the 0-0 with Steaua in Bucharest had five changes in OFI-Olympiakos 0-2.
And then the 0-0 with Twente in Karaiskaki had six changes in Kallithea-Olympiakos 1-1.
Therefore, he makes an average of six changes in league games following those in the Europa League. And you can’t say the results any better: two wins, one draw and one loss. And regardless of the results, we can’t talk about a convincing picture either. Even in its victories, Olympiacos struggled and sealed them with a second goal in the 88th minute against OFI and in the 74th minute against Atromitos.
Normallywith the names on his roster, based on his resume, Olympiacos should be building a second line-up that would easily respond to these types of games. But we don’t see it. Players who don’t usually play in Europe and make the starting line-up in the league don’t make a difference. This is a reality. And so, inevitably, rotation does not provide solutions.
The problem it is magnified in the attacking main part, since quite simply we do not see goals from other players except basically El Kaabi and then Zelson (four), Kostoula (three). The other attacking players of Olympiakos have: Tsikinho two goals, Yaremchuk one goal, Masouras one goal, Willian no goals, Oliveira no goals, Yazici no goals.
When so the players who don’t have the most playing time and don’t do it are called to help, automatically the rotation cannot pay off. And on the other hand, how feasible can it be that they play continuously or, anyway, even more than the main players play? I cannot, of course, answer that with certainty. I would say, however, that it might be necessary sometimes.
For example, with Kallithea, the whole team was confused by starting the 11 with Zelson behind the center forward and Rodiney on the outside right. What could be simpler than for Kostoulas to start normally and for Zelson to play in his place… And as long as the little guy could stand it.
Irrelevant:
Gianni’s goal in the 92nd also hurt the Olympiakos players badlythe minute. Besides all the obvious reasons, there was also the financial part. Because Marinakis had ordered them after the 4-1 win over AEK with a premium of one million Euros for victories in the four league games with OFI, Volos, Kallithea, Lamia. So, the victories over OFI and Volos had already come and there remained those over Kallithea in Leoforos and over Lamia in Karaiskakis. But the “red and whites” stepped on it from a corner in the last minute. At least teach them a lesson.
Photo of the day:
After talk about slow football…
You were watching the midfielders of Kallithea and Olympiakos. On the one hand, Matthias 37, Valbuena 40 and change Moutinho 34!!! And on the other hand, Oliveira towards 33 and Danny Garcia towards 35! Sorry, but how are we going to see fast football? Will they drink a magic potion?
And finally anyway, Garthia at least managed to suspend. And he passed some good passes – and he had just as many bad ones… Oliveira, however… All I can remember is a collaboration with El Kaabi and Velde and a good cut. In 75 minutes of play. Otherwise, constant attempts, all unsuccessful, to get passes into the attack. And kicks in corners and fouls, without any substance at all.
And finally an emoji 
Merry Christmas, it doesn’t happen without you. #Olympiacos #ThisIsPiraeus 🔴⚪️
📸 Red Duckling pic.twitter.com/uvNiy9ato3— Thomas Crown (@Papillo76566423) December 15, 2024
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