Jump to content
Phantis Forums

Nt - What Changes Are Needed?


Irlandos

Recommended Posts

Judging from our performance at WC 2014, what changes would you like to see in the Greek national side?

Whom do we keep, whom do we "pink slip", at what positions are we strong, where are we lacking?

What is your opinion on this issue?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well we're stuck with karnezis in goal maybe kapino can step up but he needs to improve his kicking, what a massive loss lodigin is.

defensively we're ok manolas looks the part and papastathopoulos is one of the best in europe, toro is decent at right back. the problems we have are in midfield and a lack of strikers salpi and gekas can't really cut it anymore but have to play on through lack of any real alternative, fetfatzidis could play down the left side of midfield but we're so weak in the centre of midfield its a shame ergys kace chose albania over us, maniatis should only be a back up right back to toro, tziolis is slow katsouranis finished karagounis has retired samaris is just average tachtsidis never seems to play 90minutes and ninis couldn't even get a game for PAOK last season.  

next friendly we could line up kapino; toro manolas papastathopoulos tzavellas;  salpi christodoulopoulos kone fetfatzidis;  samaras mitroglou

 

maybe kolovos if he gets playing time at olympiakos and kitsiou might be one for the future also thanasis karagounis looked decent in the dutch league last season which could solve a lot of problems for us in midfield. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A decent defense is the only thing the new coach inherits. Everything else should be re-evaluated and all positions should be awarded based on merit and performance. Whomever is the best player for the best position at a particular period in time. Start with that. Then build depth.

Rebuilding the Greek national team takes balls. I don't know much about our new coach. It will be up to him to make the right calls. Is he a company man or is he somebody than can get us excited?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes changes are need and it starts with the mental approach to the game.

Greece was not a good team for many years and the USA world cup showed that they had team political issues. It has been mentioned on a few occasions that young players were left behind in favour of the older well connected players.

 

Otto took the team and realized that he can't change the political climate but figured out this team could play tough defense and it worked to a charm for the 2004 Euros.

 

Greece now has made the world cup 3 times and the Euro even more times. There isn't any more element of surprise like the 2004 Euros and with that in mind it appears that Greece has limits on how far it can go if they continue this style of play.

Even the defensive minded Italians show creative offense when they get the ball.

Algeria didn't hold back against Germany despite losing 2-1.

You have to play to win the whole tournament and not just to have a good showing. Greece has already done that.

Look at Belgium. They were nothing the last few years but they've built on a golden age of football players and are now ranked 6th in the world.

They are just about to go into OT with the USA but have been out chancing them. Even if they lose the game, they play like they are going to win the whole event.

 

For Greece to make that next step they have to make serious changes in player selection and this might even start with some bad results because they are not used to playing offensive but it's the only way they will learn.

I would really like to see Greece play with only 3 defenders and commit more players to midfield and  up front. The team needs to learn how to win games 3-2 and not always 1-0.  It's easier said than done.

 

The selection of the next National team coach is the first step towards this transition and it's crucial IMO.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There seems to be no defensive midfielder in that lineup!

well we're stuck with karnezis in goal maybe kapino can step up but he needs to improve his kicking, what a massive loss lodigin is.

defensively we're ok manolas looks the part and papastathopoulos is one of the best in europe, toro is decent at right back. the problems we have are in midfield and a lack of strikers salpi and gekas can't really cut it anymore but have to play on through lack of any real alternative, fetfatzidis could play down the left side of midfield but we're so weak in the centre of midfield its a shame ergys kace chose albania over us, maniatis should only be a back up right back to toro, tziolis is slow katsouranis finished karagounis has retired samaris is just average tachtsidis never seems to play 90minutes and ninis couldn't even get a game for PAOK last season.  

next friendly we could line up kapino; toro manolas papastathopoulos tzavellas;  salpi christodoulopoulos kone fetfatzidis;  samaras mitroglou

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The way I see it:

 

GK: we have a problem! Maybe try Glykos and hope Kapino matures?

RB: Torosidis is adequate with Maniatis as a backup

CB: Our strongest position! Manolas, Socrates and K. Papadopoulos provide adequate cover for this position.

LB: I think Tzavellas is being ignored. Use Holebas only as a backup.

DM: we have a problem! I haven't seen Tachtsidis in a while and Samaris is young and could improve but this position is a weak spot.

LM: Please try Holebas here! We won't have to worry about his defensive lapses and we will have the benefits of his runs down the left side.

RM: Kone should play here. In any case, NOT Maniatis!

LW: Christodoulopoulos impressed.

RW: Bring on Fetfatzidis!

ST: For the time being = Samaras. Hopefully, Mitroglou will come back into form.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

fet should be at the center of the attack as an attacking midfielder...he is that good....just look at the formation argentina uses and go from there

 

should play a 3-5-2  that can easily morph as needed... with ball control and attack building as the optimal goal ----not hail mary, low percentage crosses into the box....

 

we can defend instinctually  falling into 4--3-3 or more defensive if needed...

 

belgium looked great, fantastic build up and looked very potent and dangerous.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As much as I think you guys have been easy on Karnezis, I wouldn't be upset if he's in goal for our first Euro qualifier. We just don't have anyone else. Maybe if Glykos gets sole possession of the starting job at PAOK. Kapinos is probably too young still. Since Nikopolidis, though, we've had a different starting GK every tournament. Katsouranis and Gekas should retire from the ethniki, but seem unlikely to do so. Maybe the new manager will either not pick them, or limit their roles. Not sure where Ninis has gone, but if we get him back into the fold, him and Christodoulopoulos can work magic, and with Fetfatzidis playing regularly and a healthy Mitroglou, the future is bright.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The new coach should establish a new culture within the NT. No more sacred icons, and even though I do not support a dictatorship, he should make sure that who ever is picked to be on the team they have to be absolutely professional about their work ethic and their conduct, off on the pitch.

I agree with you who said we need to start from the goalie and a great defense to build the new team. But, they have to work on possession football and creativity. Sorry, but it's been very rare for this team to move as a unit, exchange several passes, etc.

 

I was in favor of Karnezis when Santos was playing whatever his name was in the last Euro. But, today, Karnezis isn't good. He did not do anything special. Plus I did not like his demeanor during the penalty shootout. He was limp, looked lost, and of course totally useless. In contrast all the other goalies during showed that they were pumped up, etc.

 

Anyway, I believe that in life you have to make a good, accurate assessment before proceeding with changes or a plan of action. I understand that self-deception, or wishful thinking may make people feel better. And, who wants to be told about reality when it's unpleasant. I read a few sports media sources after the last game of Greece and the return of the team home. I couldn't believe headlines like, "the return of the heroes," etc. What?!....

 

This team played horribly. By sheer luck made it to the next round, and when Costa Rika had collapsed after playing a man down for 1 hour, GR couldn't seal the deal.

Anyway, the past is the past, but we should all learn from it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

no gekas/fetfa/tsiolis/ etc.....diamantakos/athanasiadis in.........

 

same story...if we dont push up in midfield and play with an attacking metality, we will continue to struggle for goals.

 

new coach biggest challenge is to 

a. create a strong midfield;

b. instill confidence that the team can play going forward.

 

bottom line: pele cant score if he has no support. period. call up all the strikers you want, if your midfield is not pushing forward to support the strikers then the offense will continue to be anemic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Vyntra, Katsouranis, Tziolis, Avraam, Moras, Gekas, Salpingidis thank you for your services.

Coach:

At the moment Greece have accaretaker coach so that is one thing to be taken care of.

Goalkeepers:

Karnezis & Kapino plus one other on the road to Russia 2018.

Central Defenders:

Manolis, Sokratis, Kyriakos Pap, Siovas with a few potential youngsters.

Right Back/Wing Back:

Torosidis with Maniatis as back up & can double up as a backup defensive midfielder. Kitsiou, Bakakis & few other potentials need to show they are ready to take on the big boys.

Left Back/Wing Back:

Stafylidis, Holebas, Tasoulis, Tzavellas at the moment.

Defensive Midfielders:

Samaris, Maniatis, Tachtsidis, Lagos at the moment.

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers:

Ninis, Kone, Fetfatzidis, Fortounis, Lazaros, Mavrias, Mantalos & quiet few potentials whom need a lot of improvement.

Forwards/strikers:

Mitroglou & a lot of could be's..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Where do you start ?

 

The only good consistent players right now are :-

- Karnezis

- Manolas

- Socratis

- K. Pap

- Holebas

- Fortounis

 

How some of the other players get selected I'll never know.  But since they do, do they give a toss ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think 'new blood' is a very easy cliche to throw around....

 

most of our current crop are at their peak, age wise and career wise...we have players who play at the highest levels at the peak age of 22-28......

 

the only possible 'new blood' I would look at are Bouchalakis and Pelkas....because these are the positions that I believe we are hurting the most.

  • Like it 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys guys, I've got it. Hear me out. We cover the field with cardboard, choose the best dancers on the squad, and do 90-minute break-dance fights instead. I have a feeling Holebas will have the edge on this one.

 

Might be a good opportunity to bring back Katsouranis too, but I feel he might get confused and dance the tsifteteli instead.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guys guys, I've got it. Hear me out. We cover the field with cardboard, choose the best dancers on the squad, and do 90-minute break-dance fights instead. I have a feeling Holebas will have the edge on this one.

 

Might be a good opportunity to bring back Katsouranis too, but I feel he might get confused and dance the tsifteteli instead.

 

Remind me to not read your posts with a mouth full of food.  Now I have to go change my shirt.

 

What about Greek River Dance ?

 

  • Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

at this point there is not much they can do about changes. It is sad to see them not be able to qualify for the euro because on paper it is one of the most talented Greek national ever. Individually at least. They have to go back to the basics and find their strength again which is yes their boring defense. 

 

Changes of management and players attitude complete destroyed the NT. I think the current NT give or take a few players here and there will be good enough to qualify for the WC

  • Like it 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Need to put a ten year grassroots program together where all professional clubs are forced to finance their own academies and have at least half of their first team squads to be filled with players born or eligible to play for our country.

This way the local players will get their necessary playing time to develop and harness their skills at a top competitive level and not be compromised with an array of s%$#! quality mercenary foreigners that enter our league.

Wait ...I'm thinking of how Germany refocused their football after 1998. Could something like this work in Greece and the SL ? I'm dreaming, sorry. As for the Greek NT. Were going to suck for the next decade. No creative young quality players coming through the ranks and the 5-6 decent starters we have right now are either defenders or players past their peak years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Need to put a ten year grassroots program together where all professional clubs are forced to finance their own academies and have at least half of their first team squads to be filled with players born or eligible to play for our country.

This way the local players will get their necessary playing time to develop and harness their skills at a top competitive level and not be compromised with an array of s%$#! quality mercenary foreigners that enter our league.

Wait ...I'm thinking of how Germany refocused their football after 1998. Could something like this work in Greece and the SL ? I'm dreaming, sorry. As for the Greek NT. Were going to suck for the next decade. No creative young quality players coming through the ranks and the 5-6 decent starters we have right now are either defenders or players past their peak years.

 

Yes a program like that wouldn't hurt but most importantly is to re-structuring the management working all the way down to the players. I don't see Greece being in this disaster for the next decade. Teams are still respecting Greece right now, they just need to re-group and start from the basics again. i.e 2002 or 2006

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...