UEFA Champions League

[Reaper]

I think you can viably make the case that Tachtsidis and Gentsoglou to this day, are physically better footballers than any of the CMs we have playing with the ethniki. Sad statement, considering one plays in Serie B and the other in the middle east

^^ Both are far better passers than Kourbelis/Zeca/Bouxa. Also, Tacht and Gents are not fast, but neither is Bouxa or Kourbelis..

I was always fascinated just how badly Greece played when both Fortounis and Mandalos were in attacking roles together. I also noticed how badly Mandalos plays for the NT and AEK when shoehorned into a winger. I would have therefore attempted to convert Mandalos to a CM and give Fortounis the 10 role. If he is injured, Mandalos can take that role in his place. I am acutely aware of Fortounis's weaknesses also, but this whole NT is simply about making the best of an unmotivated group of players heavy on LBs and not much else.

[LoneHorseman]

I think you can viably make the case that Tachtsidis and Gentsoglou to this day, are physically better footballers than any of the CMs we have playing with the ethniki. Sad statement, considering one plays in Serie B and the other in the middle east

[Reaper]

Trying hard to think of a Greek CM anywhere near the level of Guilherme. Watched Kourbelis vs Volos on the weekend, he was one of the worst players on the pitch..

[Dean97]

^ you can also add that he’s slow, very slow. Can’t catch up on his mistakes which is another downfall. But Kourbelis and Zeca are not any better. They can both cover ground but are just as bad technically and lack intelligence. Greece is really hurting in the CM/CDM position. No one stands out as the best, unlike Fortounis who stands out to be our best CAM.

Seeing Holebas plays I think he can still play for Greece. But it’s a better idea to move from him and have Tsimikas as our number 1 option.

[aek66]

bouxalaki today - i wrote this in NT forum.

never developed, almost zero technique. having no technique, he needs time instead - to collect/gather/think/execute pass or shoot. no time given to you in the CL and against motivated opponents in greece intl. matches. he couldn't handle a soft pass with a 'touch' on his stronger left foot today - ball clangs 10 yards away - ball ends up in osfp goal 4 seconds later. killer goal to concede. no surprise to me that 2nd division (old category) forest dumped him.

i hate to pick on him or others, but it's very obvious. it's not his fault. his managers at all levels start him.

the old bug-a-boo. greek players with rotten technique and low levels of concentration. you're 25 yards from your goal. you need to concentrate as your opponent is pressing.

[Dean97]

I could watch Chori Dominguez play all day. A perfect 10. What a player he was. Superb technique, skill and vision. I think Fortounis learned a lot from him.

[Reaper]

olympiakos has done very well signing the older ACM types the past 7-8 years. really enjoyed watching chori play and now valbuena. really too bad these guys had/will have a short shelf-life in greece.

I agree. Olympiacos has a very good formula now.

I suspect as the league improves with the new AEK stadium, new PAOK stadium and new PAO stadium, some of these Ibagaza types will begin to come Greece earlier in their careers.

[Dean97]

Key take aways for me were:

Holebas still looks like a good player. Crosses are still good. Not sure about Rafinha but he’s serviceable.

Sa, Ba and Semedo looked solid.

MVila seems like a good signing. Bouchalakis did ok, never does anything spectacular anyway.

I thought Masouras played well and Randelovic was fine. Valbuena is class and El Arabi looks like he will be unstoppable again this season.

A great cross and header towards the end for the win, which has given us a great start to this competition.

[aek66]

olympiakos has done very well signing the older ACM types the past 7-8 years. really enjoyed watching chori play and now valbuena. really too bad these guys had/will have a short shelf-life in greece.

[Soprano76]

Massive win. 2nd place is certainly possible.

[Reaper]

Olympiacos 1
Marseille 0

Sensational.

[Don Giovanni]

The draw has been announced:

Group C: Porto, Manchester City, Olympiacos, Marseille

City should win the group, but Olympiacos could pip Porto and Marseille for second I think.

[Reaper]

Was amazed how slow Martins was the subs. 75, 90and 90.

Also Hassan deserved a run.

[Don Giovanni]

The game ended in draw. Omonia's keeper, Fabiano, had an excellent game and was for me MOTD. Semedo was for me the best player out there. El-Arabi and Randelovic shared a golden opportunity, but neither seemed to expect the ball and made too little of the chance handed to them.

Martins has to do something to wake his players up. Too often Olympiacos go into games sleepwalking.

[Don Giovanni]

Not much doing in the return leg, but Omonia are at least trying this second half. They just had a shot that drew a save from Sa, the first all game. Bethuac, a Frenchmen in the mold of Valbuena, had a good free-kick sail a bit too high. Semedo looked very brave in the wall that time. He looks like the best player on the pitch today. Olympiacos' midfield have been poor in possession. Too many high balls or balls that fall too short of the intended target, leaving them looking very flat in the final third.