Olympiacos failed to return to winning ways on Carlos Corberan’s debut on the red-and-white bench. Piraeus drew 1-1 against Slovan in the first leg of the Europa League 3rd qualifying round, they have problems before the second leg in Slovakia next week and everything is open.

The Spanish coach had three days to work with his new players. It’s natural that Corberan couldn’t convey his philosophy to his players in such a short period of time and rectify things immediately. After all, he himself had stated that he emphasized the psychology and reaction of his team.

In his post-game press conference, Corberan expressed his satisfaction with the behavior of his players. The truth is that Olympiakos players didn’t give up and managed to equalize, with Arabi scoring in the 86th minute and once again providing the solution to a difficult situation.

Olympiacos needs work in the next few days. Corberan has more room to try and pass things along to his team and make small improvements. Improvements that will help the Red-Whites exit Bratislava with a win and move one step closer to what is now the Europa League groups’ most important goal.

Weaknesses in midfield “scream” for wingers and midfield

Olympiacos showed his weaknesses in both games against Maccabi, which cost him a Champions League expulsion. The red and white again had big problems in midfield. They had possession at many points in the game, but found it difficult to press into Slovan’s box, so they tried several shots outside the box.

Also significant is the fact that Olympiacos found the goal from a static phase and not in open play. Piraeus showed that they need a midfielder who can provide solutions in the creative part. It is not unknown that the Red and Whites are campaigning for the acquisition of Ennis Bardy.

In fact, the sports director admitted a few days ago that the parties involved were close to an agreement. The Spaniards also wrote that the 25-year-old attacking midfielder turned down an offer from MLS. Regardless of the outcome of this case, however, it’s clear what Olympiacos’ intentions are for this position.

The game against Slovan proved that Olympiacos also need a winger. Zingernagel and Masouras tried but couldn’t give more at low pace. Corberan wants speed in his game and that’s why he brought in Lazar Radjelovic in the last 36 minutes. The 25-year-old winger’s runs and actions helped the Reds and Whites partially improve before Slovan finally took the lead.

However, Rangelovic proved that Olympiacos “burns” for a winger. A player with pace who is good one-on-one and can create situations. In short, the Red Whites need players who can use their energy to unlock opposing defenses.

Corberan will work on the balance

“I would like to see the team attack and create chances for 90 minutes. Sometimes that’s not easy, you have to defend in some places. Find a way to be solid on defense. Find a balance.” Corberan had explained in his presentation. The first game against Slovan showed that Olympiacos still have work to do in this area.

The red-whites had the ball and kept moving forward and were repeatedly exposed to counterattacks by the Slovaks. This was also evident after Arabi equalized in the 86th minute. The Olympiakos players came forward to chase the surprise. However, Slovan scored on the counterattack and made the match a…rodeo. The Piraeus heart pounded as Ramirez found a four-four in the 89th minute, Vatslik neatly completing the field and repelling the threat.

Weaknesses in the defensive part cannot be ruled out in order to push the red-whites to strengthen and defend. The next few days will reveal more details on Olympiakos’ plans and movements in the transfer market from now on.