Fiesta Celebrations honour Olympiacos’ finest
By: Peter Katsiris |
1 Comment
Pyrotechnics, a commemorative football match, and a championship celebration occupied the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium on Saturday night, as Olympiacos celebrated yet another domestic double with their loyal supporters.
In what is somewhat of a tradition in Piraeus nowadays, Olympiacos looked back on another golden season domestically as the club was presented with the coveted Super League trophy – their twelfth in the last thirteen years.
But while most titles are dedicated to the people in the stands, it was apparent that this championship meant a lot for the club’s familiar heroes. The likes of Predrag Djordjevic, Darko Kovacevic, Paraskevas Antas, and Christos Patsatzoglou were all given a luxurious send-off as the club applauded the quartet for their services.
Djordjevic, like his team-mates, played his final match for the ‘Eythrolefki’ against AEK Athens in the Greek Cup Final – capping a successful stint in the port city where he captained the club to all twelve of their titles in the last thirteen seasons. He hoisted the club’s recent symbol of domestic dominance – the sleek Super League trophy – to compliment a similar title he hoisted last weekend at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium.
Kovacevic, a compatriot of Djordjevic, was forced to end his career after doctors discovered his life was in jeopardy due to a genetic condition of high blood pressure. Completing a mandatory surgery – a coronary angioplasty – just outside the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona, Kovacevic returned to Greece where he was soon greeted by loal Olympiacos fans at the club’s Red Store just outside the stadium. Nonetheless, Saturday night’s send-pff was an appropriate display of appreciation for the Serbian striker.
Another to retire is Antzas, but unlike Kovacevic, the Greek center-back has called time on his career after collecting a new lease on life in the aftermath of his father’s death. The moe was rather foreseeable after Antzas step down from international duty for the Greek National Team after his nation’s EURO 2008 campaign.
Patsatzoglou, or ‘Patsa’ as his jersey reads. Is not ready to end his career; instead, opting to test the Cypriot market with a transfer to AC Omonia Nicosia. It will be a reunion of sorts for the Greece international, as Omonia’s bench boss is none other than former Olympiacos player and manager Takis Lemonis.
A manager, however, still remains in question back in Piraeus. Ernesto Valverde and the club failed to agree upon an extension that would keep the Spaniard on as Olympiacos coach until at least the conclusion of next season – an apparent interest in a return to Spain’s La Liga being the distinguished variable repelling Valverde.
But again the island of Cyprus appears to be the answer to Olympiacos’ needs as rumors continue to link now-resigned Anorthosis Famagusta boss Temuri Ketsbaia with the Olympiacos post. It was a breakthrough that perplexed the Piraeus fan base ahead of the fiesta, and worried the Olympiacos board ahead of the fiesta.
But their response was minimal in comparison to vocal and visual outbursts seen in recent years. The most notable fan response during the fiesta came during the club’s celebration a few days after Brazilian legend ‘abandoned the club’ as he cited financial issues made it impossible for him to stay.
Back to the future, and Olympiacos has an interesting trip to Asia slated for later this week. Scheduled to leave Athens on Monday, Olympiacos is due in Vietnam for an international friendly with the Vietnamese National Team on Thursday in historic Hanoi.
Category: 2008/2009 Season, Greece, Greek Cup, Greek Super League, Olympiacos Team News, Player News
Jaouad Zairi joins Olympiacos
By: Peter Katsiris | 1 Comment
After several weeks of speculation, Olympiacos confirmed their second signing of the summer transfer period with the presentation of Jaouad Zairi on Tuesday (May 5). The Moroccan joins the club on a free transfer from Super League side Asteras Tripolis after penning a two-year deal.
A successful season with Asteras Tripolis appeared to be a decisive factor for the Greek Champions to sign Zairi, but the immense depth already instilled in the ‘Erythrolefki’ squad makes for great competition for the Moroccan ahead of next season.
Nonetheless, Zairi remains excited about the move to Piraeus, revealing he was ‘living a dream’. “Olympiacos is my biggest club since the beginning of my career,” said Zairi.
Before arriving at Asteras Tripolis during the 2008 winter transfer window, Zairi had spent most of his career in France; first with youth outfit – and eventually the professional side – at FC Gueugnon, FC Sochaux, before leaving France for Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad.
Zairi secured a move back to Europe after just one year in Saudia Arabia as Portuguese side Boavista gave Zairi a passage back to the European scene. One year later, Zairi found himself back in France, this time with Sochaux.
Now, after a brief stint in Arcadia, the hot lights of the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium are a new challenge for one of Morocco’s best kept secrets.
“I’m living a dream I’ve been waiting for a long time. The ambition of every footballer is to one day play in a big team. Olympiacos gives me this opportunity,” concluded Zairi.
Champions League exposure, and a successful season in Greece, could give Zairi another shot with the Moroccan National Team.
Category: 2008/2009 Season, Greece, Greek Super League, Olympiacos Team News, Player News, TransfersEpic battle in Athens as Olympiacos devastates AEK in Greek Cup Final
By: Peter Katsiris | 2 Comments
It was a thrilling night in Athens; eight goals, two sending offs, and a nervy penalty shootout kept supporters of both sides of their seats from start to finish, on an evening which saw Olympiacos triumph to bag yet another domestic double.
Two sides driven by different motives, AEK and Olympiacos entered the match with different incentives. While AEK hoped for a successful end to a disappointing season, it was instead the defending champions’ call to retain their title that was answered.
Neither regulation nor extra time could separate the sides, and a gruelling penalty shootout was the only alternative. Deduced to nine-men, Olympiacos held on to defend their title with unlikely hero, net minder Antonis Nikopolidis, striking the decisive penalty to put an end to a marathon of penalties.
Category: Olympiacos Team NewsGreek Cup Final Preview: AEK Athens – Olympiacos CFP
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
In cooperation with Goal.com
All eyes will be on Athens on Saturday, when Olympiacos and AEK Athens meet at the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium in the Final of the Greek Cup…
With another league title headed to Piraeus and into Olympiacos’ trophy cabinet, AEK will look to the Greek Cup in order to ruin their rivals’ bid for a domestic double. Meanwhile, the Greek Champions are adamant to exercise their dominance in Greece by securing their second consecutive domestic double.
Salvaging a Season
It was simply an unsettling season for AEK: an early exit from Europe, a lingering search for a president, and a coaching change appeared to distract the club from implicitly competing in the Super League. Nonetheless, with the year-long disappointment aside, Saturday night’s scintillating final is a prime opportunity for AEK to salvage their season.
Dusan Bajevic, bench boss at AEK Athens, voiced his side’s motives during a midweek press conference. The Serbian manager made it clear his side will be driven by a “motive”, but also mentioned the task will be difficult.
“We have a strong motive,” said the AEK coach. “There are no favourites in matches like these. We know each other very well and it’s hard to predict how the match will unfold.”
The 60-year-old tactician knows what it takes to triumph on these occasions; his resume boasting four Greek Cup titles as a manager. Having finished on the winner’s podium twice while stinting on the Olympiacos sidelines, Bajevic will be banking on his players to end a twelve-year title drought for the ‘Kitrinomavri’.
Domestic Double
Aside from presidential issues and a coaching change, Olympiacos endured a similarly painful season thanks to a poor European run. Their twelfth Super League title in thirteen years soothed any growing pains, but another Greek Cup success on Saturday would put any remaining disappointments at ease.
Currently, the future of manager Ernesto Valverde and summer transfers appear to be the main talking point for the Piraeus giants; however, a win on Saturday would boost Valverde’s future negotiations with club president Sokratis Kokkalis.
The Spaniard will aim to bag his second piece of Greek silverware in just his first season as manager at the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium, but realizes his side will be in for a tough night against AEK.
“Both teams will be very cautious at first and our priority will be to avoid mistakes,” said Valverde. His words are likely to ring true after two slim victories over AEK this season are not enough to guarantee a third on Saturday.
FORM GUIDE
AEK Athens
Mar 22. AEK Athens 3-1 Levadeiakos (Greek Super League)
Apr 5. Panthrakikos 1-1 AEK Athens (Greek Super League)
Apr 8. Panserraikos 0-0 AEK Athens (Greek Cup)
Apr 12. AEK Athens 0-1 Aris (Greek Super League)
Apr 26. Ergotelis 1-1 AEK Athens (Greek Super League)
Olympiacos CFP
Mar 22. Panionios 2-3 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
Apr 5. Levadeiakos 1-2 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
Apr 9. Olympiacos 2-1 Asteras Tripolis (Greek Cup)
Apr 12. Olympiacos 0-1 Larissa (Greek Super League)
Apr 26. Thrasyvoulos 0-2 Olympiacos (Greek Super League)
TEAM NEWS
AEK Athens
While the fitness of center-back Sotiris Kyrgiakos has been a pressing matter for AEK throughout the season, the Greece international will assume his role in the center of defense on Saturday. On the flanks, however, Bajevic will have to improvise as Juanfran will miss the match through injury.
Probable Starting XI: Sebastian Saja – Geraldo Alves, Daniel Majstorovic, Sotiris Kyrgiakos, Nikos Georgeas – Tamandi Nsaliwa, Agustin Pelletieri, Pantelis Kafes – Ignacio Scocco, Edinho, Ismael Blanco.
Olympiacos CFP
Injury concerns stem a little deeper within the Olympiacos ranks, but the injured duo of Fernando Belluschi and Avraam Papadopoulos are expected to make full recoveries ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter.
Probable Starting XI: Antonis Nikopolidis – Vasilis Torosidis, Paraskevas Antzas, Avraam Papadopulos, Didier Domi – Dudu, Giannis Papadopoulos – Luciano Galletti, Sebastian Leto, Fernando Belluschi – Diogo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
AEK Athens
AEK’s offense may not be the most clinical unit in the Super League, but front man Ismael Blanco has evolved to be one of the most efficient scorers in the Super League. His efficiency will be called forth on Saturday night as AEK look to solve the best defense in the Greek top flight.
Olympiacos CFP
Luciano Galletti has been the defining edge at Olympiacos all season long, and the crafty Argentine will be looked upon to steer Olympiacos to another Greek Cup title. After finishing tied alongside Ismael Blanco for the Super League’s scoring title, Galletti will be keen to settle the scoring battle with his compatriot.
PREDICTION
These two sides have met in the Cup Final many times before; always producing memorable results for spectators. The last of these meeting came in 2006 when Olympiacos ran out 3-0 winners in Crete. This year the encounter is expected to be highly contested as both sides are keen on capturing the Greek Cup crown. AEK pose a stiff challenge for Olympiacos, but the latter appear to have enough depth to overcome their inner-city rivals.
Olympiacos CFP 2-1 AEK Athens
Nikopolidis not done yet
By: Peter Katsiris | 1 Comment
When Antonis Nikopolidis retired from the Greek National Team after the 2008 European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, it was expected his club career would follow suit shortly after.
Surprisingly, Nikopolidis performed magnificently for Olympiacos this season, and with the confidence acquired through his strong play, Nikopolidis has signed a one-year extension with the Greek Champions.
While the club added Urko Pardo on a loan deal from Rapid Bucharest earlier this week, Nikopolidis’ one-year extension was made official by the club with an announcement on the club’s official website.
“Olympiacos CFP announces the contract renewal for one more year with goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.”
The former Greece international will likely resume his service as the club’s number on goalkeeper next season, unless of course club president Sokratis Kokkalis adds a further piece to Piraeus’ goalkeeping puzzle.
Category: 2008/2009 Season, Greece, Greek Super League, Olympiacos Team News, Player News, TransfersOlympiacos pick up Pardo on loan
By: Peter Katsiris | 1 Comment
The goalkeeping complex at Olympiacos CFP is likely to get much more interesting after Olympiacos announced they had acquired the services of ‘keeper Urko Pardo on a loan deal from Rapid Bucharest.
An announcement on the club’s official website made the move official, as Pardo was made the second signing made by the club this season – only after a mutual agreement between the club and Asteras Tripolis’ Jaoud Zairi had been reported.
“Olympiacos CFP announces the completion of an agreement with Rapid Bucharest over the transfer of player Urko Rafael Pardo in the form of a loan, with the option to buy,” read the announcement.
Rumors regarding Pardo originated last summer, as the future of Antonis Nikopolidis and the release of Michalis Sifakis occupied the club. Nonetheless, the problem in goal was solved when Nikopolidis penned an extension ahead of last season, and Pavel Kovac was signed by the Greek Champions.
Category: 2008/2009 Season, Greece, Greek Super League, Olympiacos Team News, Player News, TransfersOlympiacos ends Season with Triumph over Thrasyvoulos
By: Peter Katsiris | Add Comments
Olympiacos ended yet another title-winning season in the Super League with a 2-0 win over Thraysvoulos Fylis on Sunday. Second half goals from Matt Derbyshire and Luciano Galletti gave Ernesto Valverde’s side the win on the last day of the Super League season.
With their eyes wandering off to net weekend’s Greek Cup final against inner-city foes AEK Athens, Olympiacos still showed composure as the league leaders bounced back after their shock 1-0 loss to Larissa two weeks ago. Thrasyvoulos, however, collected yet another defeat and now face a dreaded return to the Beta Ethniki.
First Half
Even though the match as meaningless for both sides Olympiacos didn’t let that stop them from seeking an early goal. Sebastian was the maestro of the Greek Champions’ attack during the early exchanges; the Argentine midfielder providing a lethal presence on the flank on a number of occasions.
Sadly, however, his teammates were unable to latch onto his multiple crosses as Thrasyvoulos ‘keeper Peterson Pecanha parried on numerous occasions.
Despite their inability to find a way past the Brazilian shot-stopper, the ‘Erythrolefki’ still pushed forward in bid for a breakthrough. Vasilis Torosidis had the chance to be the hero just after the half hour mark, but the Greece international sent Luciano Galletti’s free-kick over the Thrasyvoulos goal.
Seven minutes later and Olympiacos forged ahead again, and similarly to Torosidis’ try from moments ago, Galletti saw his header follow the same path on its way out of bounds.
As the half wound down, Thrasvyoulos’ rather lifeless offense finally awoke with Domagoj Abramovic troubling Olympiacos’ backline. The Croatian striker looked to slot home the loose ball off a Thrasyvoulos corner, but his follow up effort after Konstantinos Manolas’ headed pass was light work for ‘keeper Antonis Nikopolidis.
Second Half
The up-beat energy flowing from the home side continued shortly after the interval as Thrasyvoulos resumed their attack. Giannis Katsikis’ corner was flashed wide by Mehmet Hetemaj, leaving Nikopolidis untested.
Leto then stole the show as the on-loan Liverpool midfielder reenergized Olympiacos staggering offense. A hard shot from the Argentine was met by Pecanha, but the visitors now began to dictate the match.
Giannis Papadopoulos was the next to have an opportunity; however, the Greek starlet – who is known for his whizzing efforts – fired just over the crossbar.
Matt Derbyshire, however, didn’t lack the accuracy when he strode into the Thrasyvoulos’ box on sixty-five minutes. The English forward repelled his markers and with a driven effort smashed the ball past Pecanha to finally break the stalemate.
It took only nine more minutes for Valverde’s men to return to the offensive, and find themselves in the clear for a second goal. Galletti sped into the box before shuffling a clever move to force Pecanha into giving up a penalty. The Argentine stepped up to the spot, and converted with a vengeance.
With the match surely put away, Olympiacos still searched for a third tally as Derbyshire looked to extend his scoring record. The U-21 England international showed great composure to work his way around defenders, but the result was not as attractive as it traveled over the bar.
It was a win well earned for Olympiacos, and should give the Piraeus giants plenty of confidence heading into next weekend’s Greek Cup clash with AEK Athens. Thrasyvoulos now face a return to the Beta Ethniki, where the Fyli based side will look to again claim promotion to the Super League.
Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC 0-2 Olympiacos CFP
Derbyshire 65′, Galletti (pen.) 74′
Yellow Cards:
Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC – Barrientos 90′.
Olympiacos CFP – none.
Thrasyvoulos Fylis FC (Zoran Jevtovic): Pecanha, Mihos, Manolas, Vasileiou, Asimakis (66′ Serepas), Mavrogenidis (55′ Barrientos), Hetemaj, Liapakis, Tajkovic, Abramovic (79′ Panagiotakos), Katsikis.
Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Nikopolidis, Torosidis, Zewlakow, Antzas, Leonardo (46′ Domi), Galletti, Dudu, G. Papadopoulos, Leto (61′ Djordjevic), Diogo (61′ Derbyshire), Oscar.
Referee: Giorgos Stathopoulos
Venue: Fyli Stadium, Fyli, Greece
As the Efivos Turns EP.1: Juve wants our starting 11
By: Chris Pavlakos | 3 Comments
Ok so, here is a roundup of the transfer rumors so far:
IN:
Onyewu (Standard Liège)
Zuela (Xanthi)
Nihat (Villarreal)
Wagner Love (CSKA)
Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid)
Luis (Belenenses)
Papa Babacar Diawara (Maritimo Funchal)
Rasmus Elm (Kalmar FF)
Ledesma (back from Loan)
Leto (Liverpool)
Derbyshire (Blackburn)
Bottinelli (Sampdoria)
Materazzi (Inter Milan)
Lua Lua (Qatar)
Geoffrey Dernis (Saint Etienne)
Seitaridis (Atlético Madrid)
Gekas (Portsmouth)
Katsouranis (Benfica)
OUT:
Leonardo (4 million, unkown team)
Raul Bravo (Russia)
Patsa (Galatasaray)
Belluschi (Fiorentina)
Leto (Juve)
Galletti (Juve)
Dudu (Juve)
K. Papadopoulos (Juve)
Torosidis (Juve, Blackburn)
——
Ok thats it for now. Basically, Olympiakos is going after the worlds best players and Juve will take our current roster off our hands.
p.s. if your expecting more reports on my travels to greece… im too lazy just check my facebook for pictures
Olympiacos interested in Inter’s Materazzi
By: Peter Katsiris | 5 Comments
The summer transfer may be a long ways away, but that hasn’t stopped Olympiacos from browsing the field of potential transfers according to the Greek press. In reports originating out of Greece on Wednesday, Inter Milan’s Marco Materazzi is one of the high-profile stars targeted by club president Sokratis Kokkalis.
The reports indicate Olympiacos are interested in another central defender as Paraskevas Antzas is expected to retire at season’s end. Materazzi appears to be the number-one choice for the Greek Champions, while supporters salivate over the possibility of the controversial World Cup Winner arriving in Piraeus in the summer.
While his legacy holds more controversy due to his involvement in the “head butt heard ‘round the world”, Materazzi would form a solid partnership with Avraam Papadopulos.
Category: 2008/2009 Season, Europe, Greece, Greek Super League, Olympiacos Team News, Player News, TransfersLarissa lands rare victory at Karaiskaki
By: Peter Katsiris | 2 Comments
Larissa collected three crucial points to continue to hold the advantage in the ever-tight race for the final playoff spot, as Maciej Zurawski scored just before the hour mark in a 1-0 win over Olympiacos. The Greek Champions, who had secured their twelfth title in thirteen years a few weeks ago, saw their perfect record at the hostile Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium come to a shocking end; while Larissa’s hopes of qualifying for the playoffs were boosted immensely.
Holding just a two-point lead over Aris for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Super League, Larissa put on a valiant performance to assure they remained in control of their European destiny.
Ernesto Valverde continued to experiment with his Olympiacos outfit, as the Spaniard selected youngster Giorgos Niklitsioitis to the starting eleven, as well as Kyriakos Papadopoulos. With his first-ever Greek title already booked, it was clear Olympiacos was in search of a stress-free route to the Super League finish line.
The lack of regulars in the home side’s starting mould appeared to be an issue through the first ten minutes as neither side managed to explore offensively. When the brief lull was put to an end, it was Olympiacos who emerged as the contingent in control. The youthful Niklitsiotis fired a shot from just outside the Larissa box, but Stefanos Kotsolis was left untested.
Not too long later a former member of Olympiacos, Stelios Giannakopoulos, looked to leave his mark on his first return to Karaiskaki since leaving Piraeus for the Premier League’s Bolton Wanderers six years ago.
The former Greece international capitalised on an error by Giorgos Galitsios to stroll free alone against Pavel Kovac, but the Slovakian ‘keeper in goal for Olympiacos was saved when Giannakopoulos fired wide.
As the introductory half neared the interval, Olympiacos began to dictate the tempo while holding Larissa in their own end. Again it was Niklitsiotis looking to solve Kotsolis, but again the ball travelled wide of the Larissa goal.
Execution seemed to be lacking as halftime eased its way in Piraeus.Neither side was able to provide a convincing performance in offense, and a lack of accuracy in front of goal kept the score-line unchanged.
Olympiacos looked to change that soon after the restart as Michal Zewlakow connected with a free-kick from Predrag Djordjevic. The Polish defender narrowly made the most of the set-piece, but his header was blocked a sharp Kotsolis.
Less than five minutes later, Larissa took their charge deep into the Olympiacos box as another Polish international led Larissa’s attack. Maciej Zurawski stepped inside the Olympiacos box and with a few inventive moves freed up space to warrant an effort on goal. The Polish sniper found the mark with a slick shot into the far bottom corner past Kovac.
Larissa continued the trend of offensive pressure just before the hour mark as Giorgos Fotakis rattled the post on fifty-nine minutes. Two former members of Olympiacos, in Stelios Venetidis and Giannakopoulos combined with a parallel pass falling for the latter before the former Hull City midfielder found Fotakis teeing up a shot – its direction, however, couldn’t weave around the home side’s goal frame.
With their eyes on the scoreboard in Piraeus, and in Athens, Larissa began to congest the match with a resilient defensive effort; thus resulting in a slow end to the match.
Olympiacos, however, managed one more effort through Giannis Papadopoulos. The youthful Greek midfielder gave the crowd a glimpse of his skill with a hard shot towards Kotsolis’ goal but it sailed fractions over the crossbar.
The final whistle confirmed Larissa remained frontrunners to lock up the final playoff spot, all the while Marinos Ouzounidis’ men sealed their first away win over Olympiacos in twenty-six years.
Olympiacos CFP 0-1 Larissa FC
Zurawski 54′
Yellow Cards:
Olympiacos CFP – none.
Larissa FC – Fotakis 80′, Kotsolis 86′, Inglesias 88′, Para 90′.
Olympiacos CFP (Ernesto Valverde): Kovac, Leonardo, Galitsios (59′ Pantos), Djordjevic, Zewlakow, Mendrinos (59′ Diogo), Dudu, Derbyshire, Nilitsiotis (52′ Galletti), G. Papadopoulos, K. Papadopoulos.
Larissa FC (Marinos Ouzounidis): Kotsolia, Venetidis, Giannakopoulos (67′ Para), Sarmiento, Fotakis (85′ Ilic), Aarab, Metin (90+ Katsiaros), Inglesias, Ferrari, Weber, Zurawski.
Referee: Ilias Spathas (Piraeus)
Venue: Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus, Greece.
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