Marinakis Inspires Olympiacos with Record Bonus Against Bayer

Olympiakos Piraeus is currently facing challenges in their domestic league, highlighting urgent issues within the club. As they prepare for the Champions League playoffs against Bayer Leverkusen, owner Evangelos Marinakis has decided to implement record bonuses to motivate players and staff.

Current Challenges for Olympiakos

Recently, Olympiakos played to a disappointing goalless draw against Levadiakos. Star striker Ayoub El Kaabi had a notable moment but ultimately missed a crucial opportunity. This match marked another setback, as the team has now lost five points since mid-December, with only three wins in their last eight league matches.

Marinakis Steps In

Amidst these struggles, Marinakis visited the team on a day off to address the lack of performance. Fans are increasingly frustrated with the team’s focus, which appears to be solely on the Champions League, neglecting domestic competitions.

Olympiakos had been at the bottom of the league table earlier this season but made a strong comeback with three consecutive wins in the Champions League. Their victories against Qarabag, Bayer Leverkusen, and Ajax propelled them into a more comfortable position.

Upcoming Changes and Transfers

As the team gears up to face Bayer Leverkusen on January 20, they will welcome two new players: André Luiz and Clayton from Portuguese club Rio Ave. Both players have impressive records. Luiz scored seven goals and provided six assists in 20 games, while Clayton netted ten goals and assisted four times in 19 appearances.

Financial Dynamics

Marinakis confirmed that while lucrative offers from Benfica and other clubs were made for the new signings, the decision was made to strengthen Olympiakos instead. The financial dynamics surrounding these transfers have raised eyebrows among supporters, who are eager for success on both domestic and international fronts.

Incentives for Success

In an effort to reinvigorate the team, Marinakis promised unprecedented bonuses if they advance to the knockout stage of the Champions League. Moreover, additional incentives will be provided for winning their remaining league matches, which could motivate the players to improve their league performance and creativity on the field.

Key Players and Future Outlook

• Ayoub El Kaabi: Currently out of form after the Africa Cup, risk of relegation to the bench.
• Mehdi Taremi: Top scorer with 16 goals; rested for the league game but expected to start against Leverkusen.
• Upcoming Matches: Olympiakos’ performance in the next league games will be critical.

The focus is now on their next encounter with Bayer Leverkusen, where the eyes of UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin will also be watching. This adds an extra layer of pressure to a team that needs to find its rhythm and avoid further setbacks.