Olympiacos face Maccabi Tel Aviv in Serbia in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Conference League and were called upon to pull off a miracle after a 4-1 defeat at Karaiskakis. These are Mediliber's thoughts and dilemmas.
Olympiacos have a tough task ahead of them. Jose Luis Mendibar admitted the red and whites will need a miracle against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the second leg of their 4-1 defeat in Karaiskakis for the Round of 16 of the Conference League.
A few months after a 2-2 draw with Batska Topola, Piraeus will meet again at the TSC Arena (14/3, 22:00, Cosmo Sport 2HD, Live Sports24) For the conflict with the Israelis in northern Serbia, the deal was different. Olympiacos should win, a good performance and eliminate any chances of upset.
At the same time, red and white should close a … circle. After Mendeliber's 6X6 on Olympiakos' bench, two heavy defeats at home came by Maccabi (4-1) and Panathinaikos (3-1). The Spanish coach and his players want to put an end to that so that they can go into the break as quietly as possible and get the right preparation for the Stoiximan Super League playoffs.
“It's a miracle, it can happen. We have to make up for these two bad results and close the circle with a good response. Let's be satisfied tomorrow and get a good result.” Mendeleev specifically mentioned.
What Mendeliber wants from their players
Medibar explained what he wants from his team in the press conference. On Wednesday (13/3), but after 4-1 last Thursday his particular line was: “Don't Be Crazy”. In short, the Spanish coach does not want his team to rush.
He likes to see a complete game with balance, rationality and generally a good figure. Of course, he does not fail to emphasize that risk is also necessary. “What we shouldn't do is start the match in a hurry by getting crazy.
Let's create a complete game. Everything can be done to the end. Let's be rational, but we also have to take risks.” Mediliber pointed out.
Mediliber's thoughts and dilemmas
Mendiliber's first dilemma for eleven is about creation. Instead of a 4-3-3, the Spanish coach will line up his team with a trio in the center of defense, typically with Resso, Doi, Carmo or Ibora. Of course, fixed on the ends, it seems that Ortega and Rodney will be out of sight.
Another big conundrum is the goalkeeper position. Alexandros Pashalakis is on the job, but he faces problems. Thus, Konstantinos Tsolakis is more likely to be placed from the goal post. The young goalkeeper has proven his worth and has experience in European games.
From there, a 4-3-3 with Horta, Eze and Cquinho lead the way. If the Spaniard decides to keep a trio on guard, one of them will be “sacrificed”.
As far as attack is concerned, Pontens and Fortunis are the first reason El Gabi is in the side. Of course, it is not excluded that Medilibar hides surprises and wants to surprise Maccabi Tel Aviv even more. All will be revealed shortly after the match starts.
Mission of Olympiakos: Paschalakis, Tzolakis, Papadoudis, Ortega, Carmo, Kini, Rodiney, Richards, Retsos, Doi, Horta, Tsiquinio, Fortunis, Ibora, Carvalho, Ese, Pontense, El Kaabi, El Arabi, Masouras, Jovetic.
