Imanol Alguacil continues to work on the changes he wants to implement in Olympiacos’s style of play, placing particular emphasis on the midfielders’ presence in the final third of the field. The Spanish coach is asking his midfielders not to limit themselves to distributing the ball and maintaining balance, but to follow the attacks and push deeper into the opponent’s half, so that the “Red-and-Whites” have more options in the final third.
Notable examples are Remo Froiler and Gustavo Puerta, from whom Alguathil expects more runs forward, movements into open spaces, and involvement in finishing plays. His reasoning is that the offensive play should not rely exclusively on Chikini, the wingers, and the forwards, but that there should be greater involvement from the midfield as well.
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At the same time, special attention is being paid to Leon Bailey. The Jamaican is following a comprehensive individual training program, aiming to put the nagging injuries behind him and start ramping up his intensity starting next week, without taking the slightest risk. At Renti, there is great confidence in his abilities and the belief that, once he reaches the desired level of readiness, he can add speed and individual dynamism to the attack.
On the injury front, Gustavo Sa continues his rehabilitation program following the strain he suffered. The Portuguese player has already completed a week of therapy and, provided everything goes smoothly, he is expected to gradually rejoin team training starting early next week, so he can begin the countdown to his return.
As for transfers, despite recent speculation about a central attacking midfielder or a right back, Olympiacos does not seem inclined to make a move at this time, unless a truly exceptional opportunity arises before the free-agent market closes. At the same time, the Piraeus club is keeping its distance from the names of Rafael Guerreiro and Adnan Januzaj, as the current roster is considered essentially complete.
*photo source: Olympiacos FC
