Carvalhal’s plan for the “footprints” of Backa Topola and Martinez

Carlos Carvalhal expected something different in his first days at Olympiacos, and things turned out that way. Initially, the Portuguese coach was informed that the Red and Whites would not play in the league last weekend due to the referees’ abstention.

The Iberian coach was then informed again that his debut on the bench of the Piraeus team will take place in front of empty stands, as Olympiacos will face Batska Topola behind closed doors on Thursday (12/14, 10 p.m., COSMOTE SPORT 5 HD) LIVE Sportish) on “Georgios Karaiskakis” on the last matchday of the Europa League group phase, in which qualification for the knockout games of the Conference League will be decided.

The situation is not easy for the experienced technician, as in the last 24 hours in Rentis he had to deal not only with the competition but also with the mental preparation of the footballers for such a crucial game.

Conditions are unfavorable for Olympiakos and Carvalhal is doing everything in its power to boost the players’ confidence. The extent to which they are affected will only become clear on the pitch during the game.

The Piraeus team with a win or a draw at the expense of Batska Topola will receive the qualification ticket and based on the tests carried out in training over the last two days, the Portuguese shows that he has no intention of making significant changes, neither in people nor in the system, in relation to what Martinez did.

The tests of Carvalhal

The formation that Carvalhal has tried the most is the 4-4-2, with Paschalakis under the posts, Rodiney on the right in defense, Ortega on the left, Retso and Doi as stoppers (on Tuesday 12/12). .he used some time and Ibora), Ese and Kamara in midfield, Fortuni and Pontense on the “wings” and Masoura and El Kaabi in attack.

It was like a test, with Fortounis and Masouras switching positions, with the former on the axis and the latter on the flanks of the attack.

The good thing for Carvalhal is that his Podense compatriot is at his disposal, while Jovetic is expected to be included in the 20.

Out of the mission will be the injured Scarpa, Freire and Poroso, who, according to the latest information, will be available after Christmas, while Biancone and Brinic have no right to participate in Europe.