PSV Eindhoven faces a daunting task as they prepare to battle Olympiacos in Athens. Coach Peter Bosz has cautioned his squad to be prepared for a ferocious start from the Greek side, emphasizing the need to be 'razor sharp' from the first whistle.
Bosz Sticking with Winning Formula
Bosz has opted to field the same starting eleven that faced Napoli, Feyenoord, and Fortuna Sittard, citing the team's good form and sufficient rest between matches. "It's working well, and we had four days to recover. That's enough," he explained to Ziggo Sport.
Pepi's Role: A Matter of Timing
When questioned about when Ricardo Pepi might be needed, Bosz remained coy, stating, "It's hard to say. It depends on how the game unfolds. Pepi is a fantastic striker, so he will always be needed. He will play his part later in the season." For now, Bosz believes his current lineup is the optimal choice.
Facing the Greek Onslaught
Bosz has warned his players about Olympiacos' aggressive pressing style. "Olympiacos is a team that likes to press high and aggressively, winning the ball in the opponent's half. We hope that doesn't happen today, but that's what they're known for," he said, also noting the potential opportunities this creates. "It also means they give away spaces if you play through them."
PSV must be brave and confident on the ball to overcome this pressure. "We must dare to play football. If we only retreat, defend, and lean back, that's not our quality. We would give them too many opportunities to pump balls into the box, and we don't want that," Bosz insisted, emphasizing the importance of a strong start. "You always have to be careful and get through the initial phase unscathed. Of course, they could also rush forward like crazy and leave spaces behind. We have to be razor sharp from the beginning."
Fortress Athens: PSV Arrives Under Heavy Security
The atmosphere in Athens is electric, with PSV's arrival at the Georgios Karaiskákis Stadium resembling a military operation. Armored buses blocked the view as the PSV team bus approached, escorted by a heavy security presence. The visiting fans were also ushered into the stadium hours before kickoff to avoid clashes.
Local authorities have cordoned off the entire area around the stadium, preventing fans from even watching from the sidelines. The 1600 PSV supporters were transported from the fan zone to the stadium in buses to prevent confrontations. The away section is heavily fortified, with barbed wire overhead. Fans are expected to remain in the stadium for hours after the final whistle.
Despite the intense security, the atmosphere in the fan zone was lively, with reports of beer running out early in the afternoon. "That's what happens when people from Brabant come," joked one fan. The fan zone was packed, with fans queuing to enter the rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis.