Panathinaikos: With Giagouris and Hernandez the squad for Olympiakos
Panathinaikos prepares for a crucial away match against Olympiakos, with new coaches and returning players boosting their squad.
Panathinaikos is set to face Olympiakos in a highly anticipated away derby at Karaiskakis Stadium on Sunday at 21:00. The team's preparations culminated in an afternoon training session at 'G. Kalafatis', where they focused on ball circulation exercises, tactical formations, and set pieces. This match marks the first involvement of Adriano Giagouris, who has joined the coaching staff, and brings a fresh dynamic to the team as they aim to secure a vital victory in this intense rivalry.
Giannis Kotsiras has returned from injury and integrates back into the squad, which is crucial for Panathinaikos as they strengthen their lineup. Meanwhile, some players, including Cherin, Tumba, and Pelistri, are following individual training regimes due to minor ailments, while Desers, Tsirivegia, Juricic, and Sissoko are undergoing therapy. The diverse situation in the squad indicates challenges and opportunities, as the team looks to navigate the pressures and expectations surrounding this derby.
Coach Rafa Benitez has been keen in his strategic approach, adapting the team's training to harness both the returning talents and the new coaching strategies that Giagouris brings. The significance of the match against Olympiakos cannot be overstated, as victory can have significant implications for league standings and team morale, making every training session leading up to Sunday critical for Panathinaikosβs success in this high-stakes encounter.