Hierarchy in defense of the red and white and the cause of ba

Olympiacos has the chance to qualify for the Europa League qualifiers. The Red and Whites are thinking about Thursday’s game (17/8, 21:00) against Genk in Belgium, as they want to capitalize on a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Karaiskakis.

The outcome in the first game of Valeros was largely determined by the inhibitory function of the red and white. For the greater part of the match, Olympiacos made sure they weren’t too threatened by Genk, who nonetheless took great risks after the 75th minute.

Until then, it was Panagiotis Ritsos who fell into self-immolation and acted as savior, along of course with Alexandros Paschalakis. In the second leg, Martinez wants 100% focus, his team not deviating from the plan and Genk not leaving big profit margins. In short, solidity in defense determines qualifications.

How is the hierarchy formed yet

Olympiacos’ first official match of the 2023/24 season also revealed Diego Martínez’s ideas regarding the hierarchy that exists in the center of defence.

Nicolas Freire and Panagiotis Ritsos form a dynamic pairing that performed very well against Genk and appear to have priority in defense at the moment. Indeed, as far as the reborn Greek defender is concerned, he showed signs of fatigue after the match against the Belgians, as a result of the energy he expended, Martinez said.

Moreover, Jackson Puruso has yet to make his debut, as the 1.92-year-old Colombian has made a promising enough signing. In addition, there is the solution of Andreas Doi, who played Genk, when he was replaced, as a 6-player character.

ba case

As for Usain Ba, who has been involved since the main stage of preparations, it looks like he can find a new professional home because he has fallen back down the hierarchy of stoppers set by Diego Martinez.

However, it remains to be seen how the data will shape up during the season and if any proposal will find agreement with Olympiacos.

The 27-year-old Senegalese has been with the red and white since January 2019 and made 113 appearances for Olympiacos.