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Socrates Papastathopoulos signed for Olympiacos at 32 years, seven months and 16 days, something that could have happened many years before, before he finally closed at AEK in 2005. George Louvaris could not guarantee that the then young Kalamatian would have a place. first group. 16 years have passed since then and on the afternoon of Monday, January 25, 2021, the international central defender was in the offices of the PAE “rojiblanca”, completing a transfer that caused a sensation not only in Greece, but throughout Europe. From 2008 until a few days ago, after all, he played for the best clubs in Europe.
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An adventure that began one rainy day in a pizzeria in Austria, when he wore the AEK shirt, he signed in Genoa, preferring it to Ajax. A choice that he has not regretted until today, having started the course abroad with the Italian coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, who taught him a lot. His voices, even when he was the best player of the Genoese, his advice in the two years 2008-2010, the tactics that the then 20 year old Socrates learned at his side formed the basis of what followed. That is why he owes a lot to the current Atalanta coach. But let’s go back to today.
I don’t take it to break
Olympiakos wore “red and white” one of the biggest names Greek football has produced in the last 15 years. Those who made a career equal to Papastathopoulos are counted on the fingers. And imagine that the transfer occurred at a time when the Greek champion did not have such a need to acquire a central defender. Especially in Greece, where Abraham with the minimum time of participation to play, the home will probably remain inviolable.
So, a big contract was awarded in the winter transfer window, at a time when global soccer finances are going from bad to worse and expensive deals are minimal. Olympiacos, however, did not miss the opportunity. He grabbed a first-rate Greek soccer player, who was circulating freely in the market. It was a movement in the context of the present and the future. The years did not take Papastathopoulos. He has several seasons ahead of him until he hangs up his shoes.
Even if we are honest, I would not have come to Greece sooner. There was no reason to do so. He comes to a club that is no different from the previous clubs in which he played if we take into account the pressure that exists, the demands for successive victories and successes. And it comes, when for the first time in his career he remains inactive for so long, since Michel Arteta had left him out of the list both in the Premier League and in the European games of the “Gunners”. Inactive, but also eager to show that he did not come to his country to paste the last stamps. And that is the biggest goal that has been set. And if you know the title in Greece will be won unexpectedly, the appeal of attending European matches is great.
The reason why the “rojiblanco” PAE entered the process of getting Papastathopoulos was not to show that when it wants a footballer, it has no rival in Greece. She wanted him and she had him. He considered that he needed it for this year and for the next two years. For the course in Europe, for the national titles, for his personality in the changing rooms, because in summer Semedo, Ba or Cisse can be sold out and there will already be a “rock” behind.
REASONABLE TO SIGN THE OLYMPIC
From the moment Socrates made the decision to consider the possibility of returning, although he had publicly stated that he did not want to return, bad lies, the team that had the best chance of acquiring him was Olympiacos. At least at this stage in his career. Going to AEK means that you would have to drop your case. That, at least this year, the championship should have been forgotten, but also the European presence.
So why Olympiakos? By the way it was approached. Because it is the best team of the moment in Greece, because it is the only country that has a better chance of going far in Europe, because the money it received was much more than what the Union offered it, but also because its best: His friends and Top men, Torosidis and Abraham, played a big role in his final decision.
Olympiacos as a club, the way it works, is modern, European. Buy players, build careers, it is the passport to transfer to clubs in the main European leagues, participate in the Champions League and the Europa League. Everything that has been built now makes sense to be an attractive option for a young player who wants to develop, but also for an experienced player who wants to stay at a high level and claim titles and victories in Europe.
At age 20, Socrates left Greece for Serie A, at 23 he went to the Bundesliga, at 33 to the Premier League. From the moment he wanted to return, Olympiacos was as close as possible to what he experienced all these years. You know very well what you are going to hear about the decision you made, but professionally it was the right choice, as you wanted to return.
THE WEIGHT OF SOCRATES
The Super League is not even comparable to the Premier League. However, this does not mean that Papastathopoulos no longer carries weight and responsibility. Otherwise. Now he is obliged to be an example for the little ones. To be a leader in the rear, to justify people who had been openly invited to him for many days. They gave him all the time he wanted, without pressuring him, offering him a costly contract for the Greeks (approximately 3.5 million euros).
At Arsenal, Socrates was among very expensive teammates and was not the first name. At Olympiakos he also knows great footballers, but now he is one of the most important assets of the club and has the obligation to make a difference whenever he is asked, whenever he is called to play. You have an obligation to stand out, to lift the weight, possibly not just your due.
AFTER SEMEDO, WHO?
With the imminent arrival of Papastathopoulos, the rumor that existed is that Pap Cisse will be transferred to another team. The stage that had fallen on the table if no equipment was found was to be delivered to Nottingham Forest. And this, however, seems to fade as a scenario. If the Senegalese stays, Pedro Martins will now have five blocks available. And if Rubén Semedo is No. 1 by now, it is worth seeing who the coach will prefer next to him in most games. In what “burns”. Well, until Socrates reaches the level he needs, this is not a “problem”. Later in the season, though?
Ba is a very important project for Olympiacos. He is a player that can be sold for several million in the future. What will Martins do? Will Papastathopoulos take him out of the game? But if you don’t play, your value drops. Logic says that everyone will have their chances. Let’s remember at this point that Semedo will be sanctioned in the first game against Eindhoven by the “32” of the Europa League, on February 18.
But one thing is for sure: Semedo and Socrates are a duo worth seeing on the field. I don’t know if Olympiacos ever had a central defensive duo that knows so much ball. Two very strong centrals, very capable in the high game so it makes sense to be paid roughly. Beyond that, it’s worth seeing when Martins will launch Papastathopoulos into action for the first time. A coach who does not give, who puts those who work and who take advantage of the opportunity he gives them. Used by every new player, only when they feel they can deliver.
However, it is not ruled out that we will see Socrates in tomorrow’s derby mission with PAOK. Of course there is no way I can play. Get straight into the weather.
PS: Now that Papastathopoulos has been acquired, Abraham knows that it is now the fifth plug in the series. That, of course, doesn’t bother you. However, his time was limited. In addition, he questioned Socrates to wear “red and white.” He was even quick to post about the transfer of his friend and godfather: “The best Greek footballer in the biggest team. It is an honor that from today we are teammates.”
Photo Credits: Intime Press Release
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