Internal rivalry at Olympiacos?

By: Peter Katsiris | August 7th, 2008

It seems hard to believe that Olympiacos captain Predrag Djordjevic is entering his 13th season with the Piraeus club. In the last 12 years, the former Serbian international has been the core of the team through the good times and the bad times. He has been the one to hoist 11 Greek Championships, 4 Greek cups, and a Greek Super cup. Hoping to add to the great list of triumphs, the 36-year old knows he is the late stages of his career. Realizing this, new recruit Sebastián Leto is planning to dethrone the most successful foreigner in Greek football prematurely.

It is inevitable that Predrag Djordjevic will hang up his boots, and call it a day. The club’s recent wheeling and dealing in the transfer market has got his eventual — could be conditional — replacement. Leto, who joins the Greek Champions from Liverpool, apparently has an agenda of his own. No he’s not being a trouble-maker of any sorts; but maybe an over-achiever?

In an interview after the Argentine arrived in Athens, Leto revealed to the Greek press that he is ready to challenge the Serbian for a starting spot. “I know what is happening on the left hand side but I feel ready to take over Djordjevic’s role. I will work hard, and I will make it,” said Leto.

A little confident? You could say so. However, Leto is clearly a ‘win or go home’ kind of guy. He made a brief appearance in Wednesday friendly loss to Racing Santander — ironically subbed in for Djordjevic himself. After the game he had this to say:

“I did not expect to play, as I had trained with the team only once. I am in good condition and I feel satisfied with my performance; with that being said, I can play much better. I will try to get acclimated with the team as quickly as possible. The important thing is not for me to play well, or to hear my name in the stands, but for Olympiacos to win. It might have been a friendly game, but I want my team to win in every game.”

It’s a breathe of fresh air to hear something of that nature come from the mouth a professional athlete.The usual monologue at a press conference is centered around pleasing the fans, but what pleases Olympiacos fans — including me — is wins and lots of them.

Leto also had words for the club and the upcoming Champions League qualifier against Anorthosis Famagusta:

“This loss will help us identify mistakes in order to become better. Olympiakos is a team that plays in the Champions League. When you go up against Anorthosis it is only logical to be more secure of what you are up against. Our loss will help us concentrate and become better for our next game.”

With that being said, it seems we are guaranteed for a competitive season. At least there will be some competition off the field…(just joking fellow Super League fans).