I want to start this post by sending my sincere congratulations to the Olympiacos staff and players. From a turbulent situation last weekend against the eternal enemy, it appears that the true professional colours of the group and calmer heads prevailed over the week which positively led into Thursday’s match against West Ham.
In my opinion, the collective group had a few tasks to take care of mentally and emotionally prior to the West Ham clash to rid themselves of the nightmare last Sunday. Mission accomplished and a very important three points were earned, at home, in front of a lively crowd and eager onlookers throughout the Olympiacos universe.
Well done, Olympiacos. The legendary mindset was very evident throughout the match and the team (and its fans) were well rewarded.
The Voyage Continues to Crete
The stage of competition shifts back to the Super League and a tricky foe awaits the group on the island of Crete.
Under the watchful eye of their Lithuanian bench-boss, Valdas Dambrauskas, the Cretans are currently within the realm of the top six. As one of the better communicating clubs in the league, I remember reading an early article that top six football was the main goal for the 2023-2024 campaign. Thus far, it appears as though things are going to plan for the lone island-based club.
The only loss suffered by OFI came by the hands of Asteras Tripolis (away from home) on Matchday 2 via a 3:0 final. A massive three points were won on Matchday 7 against AEK, a 2:0 decision, in front of 5,000-plus at Genti Koule.
During the 2022-2023 season, Olympiacos won both meetings against their Cretan hosts. Both matches ended in 2:1 victories for the red and whites on Matchday 7 (Garry Rodrigues, Cedric Bakambu) and 20 (Cedric Bakambu, Youssef El Arabi) respectively.
Luiz Phellype (30, Brazil), who was recently brought in from Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, leads the goal-scoring charge for OFI with four tallies in nine matches-played. Secondary scoring is being provided by Nouha Dicko (31, Mali/France) with three goals to his name.
Have an Eye
The two clubs currently on the heals of Olympiacos, PAOK and AEK, will collide at the OPAP Arena two hours prior to the Olympiacos and OFI contest.
Enjoy the Football and a Reminder for Optimism
As always, enjoy the football. It is important to remain level-headed in the good times and the bad. I believe that the finished and polished product is still yet to be revealed to us as fans of the club. In the background, the quiet work of Cordon continues. Optimism is high and the fresh winds of new life are being pumped into the sails at the port.