Briefs on bwinSPORT FM: “Tonight’s derby is experimental”

THE Yannis Kontoes hosted in his studio News Bulletin 247 and spoke to Sotiris Tabako among others, for tonight’s big derby between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos.

“It is an experimental derby, with two teams that we do not know how they will perform. Panathinaikos is a new team with Mr. Terim. In the game against Atromitos, however, we also saw elements of Jovanovic’s game. The new coach, however, likes surprises, so we are not entirely sure what game we will see. Olympiacos, on the other hand, is a team with many changes. He likes to play with quick wings, but has many new faces in key positions. The draw does not suit either team, the details will play a big role, even the static phases“, said the veteran defender, who is now involved in coaching and was with Victor Sanchez on the bench of the Spanish Cartagena.

Speaking, in particular, about Panathinaikos, he said:The presence or absence of Perez in the basic shape will indicate the orientation of Terim. The absence of Ioannidis is very important, because he is having an amazing year and shows that the team feels more comfortable when he plays. Bakasetas has a catalytic role, with an emphasis on second balls and his shooting. He has very good contact with the net, he has also worked a lot on his body and is a complete player. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him even at the top of the offense».

As for Olympiakos? “I think Carvalhal will not change much. Certainly the absences of Retsu and Zelson are significant. He will go to a plan that the team knows. The return of El Kaabi is important, even if we don’t know in what condition he is. However, his presence gives a sense of security, even on the bench. Olympiacos has fallen behind and must go for the three points. Rodinei is a very pivotal player for Olympiakos’ offensive development, as is Masouras, who also helps a lot in the blocking function».

For PAOK he said:He made good moves and renewed his potential. He also had a hard time at the beginning of the season, but he has gained a stability and is now first. Duration is what will count in the end. It is also important that it produces new children, such as Constantelias, Tzimas and Koulierakis».

Finally, for AEK he said:Almeida is a radical. He started last year with a trio in defense and unsuccessful results, but the management supported him and he got the double. They are a team with pace and bring out something family. The kind of football he plays requires roster depth because he plays with a lot of intensity and there is a lot of pressure on the players, especially this year with the European games».