Bernard’s key role in the derby with Olympiakos and the ‘block’ against Huang

From today (Tuesday 11/1) Panathinaikos is now in the rhythm of the Clasico on Sunday (11/6, 19:30) with Olympiakos in Leoforos and the technical team of the “Cloverleaf” is burning for the best possible preparation of the team in each level.

And indeed, in the small details, to which Ivan Jovanovic now attaches a lot of importance since the second half of last season, having already passed on the basic principles and his philosophy to the team, he was able to work on individual pieces separately before each “small” or “big” game.

The Serbian coach knows very well that this particular game is very different from any other games that have preceded the season so far. That 10X10 is not on his mind, he doesn’t care if Olympiacos is so far from the top after so many years.

He sees only one major opponent ahead of him, Panathinaikos’ ‘eternal’ rivals, who have the quality, opportunity and experience to play one of his last cards of the season to get closer to the top.

And this is exactly the image that has been conveyed to its football players for days now, who fully understand all these peculiarities that accompany a Panathinaikos – Olympiakos derby. “Old and new”.

This was also reflected in the very serious, measured and clear statements made by everyone in the mixed zone after the game (October 29) against Volos in Panthessalikos last Saturday.

What’s being asked of the 60-year-old technician now – barring unexpected events during the week – is to focus with his players on specific tactical plays that can change the balance and make all the difference in the derby.

Bernard’s race pack.

In the absence of the ‘trapped’ Aitor, Jovanovic has slightly adjusted the team’s development plan and now has the luxury of having a fully fit Bernard Duarte, who played his most complete game in Volos since the day he put Klee on the jersey. but Benjamin Verbitz is also far more willing to play a key (and leading) role on the left “wing” of the attack.

Also in the derby with Olympiakos, Bernard will be the “key” for Panathinaikos, where the Serbian coach not only counts on his creative qualities, but also the ability to safely drive the ball many meters between the opponent’s lines and diversify the game very good chemistry and partnerships developed in the upper field with both the wingers and Andraz Sporar.

The front four have started to learn each other’s game very well and it showed in Panthessalikos last Saturday where 4 of the 5 green goals were the partnerships the Panathinaikos coach is constantly looking for.

And that’s exactly where he wants to beat Olympiakos in the Clásico, to read out all the (given and large) midfield weaknesses of the red and white.

Huang’s action limitation

As for the suspension plan, Jovanovic knows he has to face a team with great quality from midfield and attacking and it is certain that in this particular game his squad’s cohesion will be ‘tested’ more than in any other game this one Year.

The Serbian coach will put a lot of emphasis on limiting Huang Inbom’s action, not with man-to-man of course (the ‘green’ coach never plays man-to-man) but with separate instructions to Cerin and Ruben – it depends where the ball will be played every time and where the South Korean will be – to leave him no spaces and yards with the ball to play one-on-one with the attackers and James Rodriguez, as he has done in many annual games of Olympiakos , especially against Mitchell.

Panathinaikos will – as always – press hard in the first half and especially in Huang’s game, constantly looking for immediate possession of the ball and quick transitions towards the defense of Olympiakos, which although not characterized by stability, especially under pressure and tension .

In general, the tactical part, but also those small details that Jovanovic alludes to in training and in the games, will play a very big role in the Sunday derby of eternity and in the five days that follow up to the cross, a whole A lot of reading and a lot of…repetitions play a big part until the last green stroke is completed.