Olympiacos needs time and patience under Imanol Alguacil after a controversial coaching change left the team without a preseason or a clear playing system.
Olympiacos needs time and patience to clarify its plans for the rest of the season.
The Red and Whites’ board made the mistake, or perhaps it was not a mistake, but it was a controversial decision to sack José Luis Mendilibar just as the season had started, rather than doing so beforehand to give the next coach the opportunity to have a preseason and sign players of his preference.
Now the team has Imanol Alguacil in charge, without any players he requested, with the season already underway and no patterns of play developed, because the entire playing system has been restarted.
In their most recent 1-0 victory against Levadiakos, it was clear there were no patterns of play, and things weren't working as one would expect given the squad's level of talent.
Because yes, Olympiacos is a team with a lot of talent. Players such as Konstantinos Fortounis, Jota Silva, Gelson Martins, Remo Freuler, Armando 'Hormiga' González, Gustavo Sá, and Gustavo Puerta stand out in the squad, and with all those options, it is evident that a functional playing system is expected to be developed.
However, Imanol Alguacil has only managed two matches, and what we are seeing is normal. This isn't about not starting a certain player or leaving others on the bench. It is not about that; it's about giving the coach time to develop his ideas and implement them properly.
Some players, like Puerta, have clear talent and ability. That's undeniable, but he also looks lost on the pitch. That doesn't deny his abilities; it just reflects reality. And that reality is that these players are only just beginning to get to know each other. They have to learn to play as a team; they have to learn to follow the coach’s ideas, and that, for better or worse, will take time.
The next match is against Panathinaikos in the Derby of the Eternal Enemies on Oct. 11, and it will be a baptism of fire for both Alguacil and the team as a whole.
There is a lot to prove, especially since they face Olympique de Marseille four days later on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Europa League in another crucial encounter.
Without exaggeration, Olympiacos has a squad to compete for the Europa League, but when you see this team unable to compete at a high level in Greece, you realize the challenge of getting this season back on track will be enormous.
Olympiacos fans are going to need time, a lot of time, and patience to start seeing the desired results.
