Olympiacos FC has begun preparations for their upcoming match against Lamia, scheduled for December 23, after their training session resumed on December 19. The significant highlight for the team's head coach, José Mendilibar, is the return of 29-year-old midfielder Tsikinio to regular training.
Tsikinio's recovery could not have come at a more opportune time for the Piraeus club, which has struggled to find its rhythm without him. During his absence, Olympiacos has faced difficulties, notching just one goal across five matches and failing to secure any wins. Their last five encounters included lackluster draws against PANATHINAIKOS and Steaua Bucharest, as well as losses against Asteras Tripolis and Athens Kallithea.
"With Tsikinio back on the pitch, Olympiacos will develop their game plan effectively," remarked coach Mendilibar to Gazzetta.gr. His presence is expected to uplift the team's performance and strategic planning, especially as Olympiacos prepares to face Lamia, who is likely to adopt a defensive approach at the 'G. Karaiskakis' Stadium.
Over the past few fixtures, the absence of Tsikinio has been felt intensely. The midfielder is considered integral to the team's offensive strategies, and his skills provide much-needed solidity and creativity. "We have struggled to score goals without him; we've only managed one goal across five matches," noted one of the club's forwards, emphasizing the challenging times the players face without their star.
Interestingly, Tsikinio joined Olympiacos from Benfica and has since become one of the key players for the team. His return could potentially open opportunities for Olympiacos to reestablish their scoring capabilities and improve their standings within the league. The club’s attacking format has certainly suffered during his time away—highlighting just how pivotal he is within the lineup.
Additional changes will accompany Tsikinio's return as Olympiacos deals with other roster adjustments. Notably, Santiago Ese will miss the match against Lamia due to accumulating yellow cards. The likely candidate to fill Ese's position is Mouzakitis, who was absent from the squad last week against Athens Kallithea.
Beyond the immediate match, Olympiacos is actively working on strengthening their roster for the upcoming January transfer window. The club is rumored to be scouting players, particularly focusing on the winger position. Among the names being circulated is 31-year-old Belgian left winger Yannick Carrasco who currently plies his trade at Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. Carrasco has had notable tenures with clubs like Atletico Madrid and Monaco, compelling him to muster impressive statistics over his career.
Another intriguing name linked with Olympiacos is Moroccan winger Hakim Ziyech, currently on the verge of leaving Galatasaray. The team's management has also expressed interest in Jordi Maquengo, who could add valuable versatility to the squad.
Despite the off-field developments and the focus on new signings, the immediate goal remains clear: get Tsikinio back on field, maximize their scoring chances, and secure three points against Lamia. With newly planned strategies looming, fans are hopeful of witnessing an improved performance from Olympiacos, and rightly so.
The return of Tsikinio could serve as just the boost Olympiacos needs to navigate the tough weeks leading up to the winter break. His impact is expected to reflect not only at Lamia but across subsequent matches as the squad aims for higher ground this season.
Under these circumstances, Olympiacos supporters can look forward to his anticipated influence on the pitch. The time off for Tsikinio has surely stirred excitement among fans and players alike, and it's undoubtedly expected to reflect positively on the squad's cohesiveness and overall play.
With the anxieties and challenges yet to be overcome, one thing remains clear—Olympiacos is gearing up for battle, and they’ll need every ounce of skill and determination from Tsikinio and the forthcoming transfers to regain their footing.
