Alec Peters is undoubtedly the best player in Olympiacos struggling squad this season. The Reds went to a roster overhaul last summer after two consecutive appearances in the EuroLeague Final-4. Peters questioned Olympiacos’ effort after two heartbreaking losses in the EuroLeague and poor 1st half performance in the Greek League game against Kolossos.
“Everyone in the team feels embarrassed, if not disappointed with ourselves. Last week was not a good week for us in the EuroLeague and we know the importance of the game ahead of us.
Tomorrow’s training and Wednesday must be at a very high level because the game against Maccabi at home, It is a must win for us.” Peters told ERT during the aftermath of Monday’s game vs. Kolossos, via Sport24.
The Reds were unable to find themselves this season as injuries and the lack of offensive efficiency has hurt the team especially on the road. Olympiacos will have to cover some of its early losses at home as the season started with several players playing through injury and most of the time being out for weeks after that.
Aside from the injury issues that cost Olympiacos early in the season, the team added numerous new faces that have not gelled yet with the rest of the squad. The Piraeus team lost star player and EuroLeague MVP Sasha Vezenkov, while primary playmaker Kostas Sloukas signed with arch-rival Panathinaikos.
“We all need to take a step forward, including myself. The level we expect from us is not there and I think the fighting spirit, the team spirit has taken a hit. It’s something we all recognize and need to fix now.
I’m looking forward to seeing how we respond, how we react and make the next few weeks better for us.”
Olympiacos head coach concerned from injuries, lack of time
Aside from the poor performance in the last three games, Olympiacos is heading to EuroLeague round 22 matchup against Maccabi with two players being in the injury list for the game. Moustapha Fall is considered doubtful ahead of the game as he’s dealing with knee problem, while Filip Petrusev suffered muscle spasms but he will likely be available.
Petrusev could be the key going forward for Olympiacos as the young Serb is expected to receive minutes going forward with Moustapha Fall and Nikola Milutinove dealing with several issues from the start of the season. Petrusev had a promising performance in Olympiacos’ 80-69 loss to Baskonia last Friday.
He had his best game with Olympiacos uniform putting up 14 points, four rebounds and one assist on 4-of-5 shooting. However, his strong contribution wasn’t enough for the Reds as they look to bounce back this week.
“At the moment, Petrusev is more likely to play,” coach Giorgos Bartzokas said Monday. “As for Fall he’s doubtful, tomorrow we will know more after some medical tests. He has a knee issue, he played injured in both games in Spain (last week).Tomorrow we will know more.”
