Suggested Call Ups, Starting 11

[paokarag4]

A reporter from Sport24 is reporting that Fortounis is retiring from the national team effective immediately. Not too many details but apparently Fortounis will address the issue publicly.

I dare say he wasn't called up again for these qualifiers and decided he no longer wants to be available to play for the NT. I am just guessing though, so who knows. 

https://www.sport24.gr/football/telos-o-fortoynis-apo-tin-ethniki-omada.10164092.html 

 

EDIT: Fortounis has confirmed via a post on his Instagram that he is stepping down from the Ethniki. Saying he wants to focus on his club football and wishing the NT all the best for the future. 

https://www.sport24.gr/football/fortoynis-gia-tin-apochorisi-vomva-apo-tin-ethniki-thelo-na-afosiotho-stin-omada-elpizo-i-apofasi-na-ginei-sevasti-apo-oloys.10164128.html

Edited September 1, 2023 by paokarag4

[J1078]

Fortounis did this IMO because he didn't get called up against the Ireland and France matches. I believe reports came out he was disappointed not to get selected for those matches so he went from being disappointed to not wanting to be part of the NT in the span of two months? Anyways sucks but it is what it is...

Here are the call ups:

Βλαχοδήμος,  Πασχαλάκης,  Αθανασιάδης,  Γιαννούλης,  Τσιμίκας,  Μπάλντοκ,  Ρότα,  Τζαβέλλας, Χατζηδιάκος, Κουλιεράκης,  Μαυροπάνος,  Ρέτσος,  Κουρμπέλης,  Μάνταλος,  Σιώπης,  Μπουχαλάκης,  Παπανικολάου, Μπακασέτας, Χατζηγιοβάνης,  Λημνιός,  Μασούρας,  Πέλκας, Φούντας, Ιωαννίδης,  Γιακουμάκης, Παυλίδης.

 

[paokarag4]

I am a fan of Poyet and what he's doing with the Ethniki, but there are 3-4 of these call-ups that are puzzling. Bouchalakis and Limnios have not played one minute of football in the first month of the season, yet they are un-droppable. While Alexandropoulos and Konstantelias are not called-up.

Tzavellas he wants for experience(dressing room etc), but seems like he's played one out of three for a newly promoted side in Turkey, not exactly inspiring form.

Poyet is trying to do what Otto and Santos did before him, have a 'club' like feel to the NT where it's the same core of players that are called-up. While that has some merit it can also lead to disharmony amongst players/coaches/fans. 

Ultimately if we get results people will forget about these decisions, but if you add the layer of Fortounis stepping away the media and football public are starting to slowly starting to turn on Poyet. The atmosphere around the team had been so positive because of great results, hopefully this doesn't throw too much of a spanner into the works and the team can keep chugging along. 

You can guarantee if we come out of the 2 games next week with 4 points, everyone will be singing his praises. Let's see what happens. 

 

[Ellada2004]

On 9/1/2023 at 11:31 PM, paokarag4 said:

I am a fan of Poyet and what he's doing with the Ethniki, but there are 3-4 of these call-ups that are puzzling. Bouchalakis and Limnios have not played one minute of football in the first month of the season, yet they are un-droppable. While Alexandropoulos and Konstantelias are not called-up.

Tzavellas he wants for experience(dressing room etc), but seems like he's played one out of three for a newly promoted side in Turkey, not exactly inspiring form.

Poyet is trying to do what Otto and Santos did before him, have a 'club' like feel to the NT where it's the same core of players that are called-up. While that has some merit it can also lead to disharmony amongst players/coaches/fans. 

Ultimately if we get results people will forget about these decisions, but if you add the layer of Fortounis stepping away the media and football public are starting to slowly starting to turn on Poyet. The atmosphere around the team had been so positive because of great results, hopefully this doesn't throw too much of a spanner into the works and the team can keep chugging along. 

You can guarantee if we come out of the 2 games next week with 4 points, everyone will be singing his praises. Let's see what happens. 

 

Good points. Poyet has turned the NT fortunes around. It’s a shame Fortounis retired from international duty. I was thinking he would be on the team this go around. Always said he was such a top class footballer. Anyways if we get 4pts it will be a success. 

[HellasLEAF]

I thought maybe they were good enough without but honestly I don't think so, the NT needs to get Fortounis back in now in time for the playoffs he is looking good.  There is no one on the team with his skill level in that position.  We keep leaning on average guys like Mantalos and Kourbelis etc.  Midfield is not threatening and not providing forwards the best service. 

Greece can get in but will struggle to get results if what we seen against Holland and France is proof.  They are in the game but can't sniff a goal and ultimately lose. 

[J1078]

Is anyone else noticing Fortounis on fire?? What a shame he’s not on the team.. I think Poyet made a huge mistake keeping him off the team which clearly upset him.. 

[Ellada2004]

22 hours ago, J1078 said:

Is anyone else noticing Fortounis on fire?? What a shame he’s not on the team.. I think Poyet made a huge mistake keeping him off the team which clearly upset him.. 

I have said it. Poyet or the EPO need to go beg him to come back for the playoffs! 

[paokarag4]

Fortounis was asked the other day post the game v Asteras if he'd consider a return to the NT. He said that his time with the Ethniki is over and he won't be back. IMO the only thing that may sway him is if we qualify for the Euros and he and Poyet break bread.

Even then, it is dependent on Poyet asking for him to return. It seems very very unlikely. And if you take Fortounis at face value, it is 0% chance of happening. 

[ausgreek]

Fortounis retired from the Ethniki. This reminds me all over again, about the potential returns of Sokratis, Manolas, Siovas & some creative mids a number of years ago. Like the words in that movie Frozen say, 'let it go.' This is now a new era. Bring on the likes of Konstantelias & Alexandropoulos.

Edited November 14, 2023 by ausgreek

[J1078]

Do we have any idea when the player call ups will be announced?

[J1078]

Pretty good read, I agree with a lot of what is said in this article as it discusses the last few coaches including Poyet and what the teams needs going forward if any wants to give it a read.

 

The Ethniki needs a cultural shift to a build a winner (hellasfooty.blogspot.com)

Edited April 4, 2024 by J1078

[ausgreek]

Aren't Ethniki playing Ireland again afew days later?..

[Brklyngrk]

They are playing on Finland on Saturday, Ireland on Tuesday

[georgelaz]

Mitoglou as Left CB, Gracias.

[Dean97]

Hi everyone, I'm feeling optimistic about the national team and Greek football. We're seeing a surge of talented players emerge in the 18-22 age range, including Kostoulas, Mouzakitis, Tzolakis, Tzimas, and Vagiannidis. Add to that the likes of Konstantelias, Tzolis, Koulierakis, and Zafeiris, who are already making waves. With Olympiakos eyeing another European trophy and players like Pavlidis, Mavropanos, and Tsimikas shining abroad, it's an exciting time to be a fan. I believe it's time for Konstantelias to make a move abroad and for these young talents to secure permanent spots on the national team – the future is looking bright!

[Antaeus7]

Tzolakis has to be our regular #1 goalkeeper if Greece has any chance to qualify for FIFA 2026 World Cup. Many say he could potentially be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 

[Dean97]

8 hours ago, Antaeus7 said:

Tzolakis has to be our regular #1 goalkeeper if Greece has any chance to qualify for FIFA 2026 World Cup. Many say he could potentially be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 

Agreed. Tzolakis the best Greek goal keeper right now. Vlachodimos can be called up as back up I don’t have a problem with that. Mandas also playing a lot lately. 

[Soprano76]

It’s official.. Karetsas has declared for the Ethniki over the Belgians! 

[PaokCT]

Huge get. Will def be included in the squad for March games

[Dean97]

This is huge! I hope to see him play in March.

[Brklyngrk]

Don't ever remember having so many players this young getting the opportunity to play!  When was the last time we had so many talented prospects??

[HellasLEAF]

Amazing news.  

Not even surprised.  For national pride how can you even compare Belgium with Greece.  All these young guys chose Greece for a reason they are true hellines.  

[J1078]

“According to multiple news sources Konstantinos Karetsas has been called up for the Greece national team against Scotland in March.

The rest of the squad is due to be announced”

[Brklyngrk]

We may actually have three callups who are teenagers!! Karetsas (17), Mouzakitis (18), and one of Kostoulas (17) or Tzimas (19). Then we have quite a few players who are 21-23 who will be called up (Koulerakes, Tzolakis, Delias, Tzolis, Zafeiris).

[PaokCT]

Compare that to Scotland who only has 3 players under 25 from their last callups