Reds have point to prove
Olympiakos will be facing one of its biggest challenges so far this soccer season tomorrow night when it hosts English side Arsenal (9.45 p.m.) for the last group game of the Champions League. The Greek champion needs just one point to ensure its qualification to the knockout stages of the competition, but could also advance with a loss if Standard Liege fails to beat visiting AZ Alkmaar in Belgium at the same time. Boosted by its 1-0 away win at Xanthi on Saturday that has kept it at the top of the Super League by one point, Olympiakos is now focusing on the game that will define its European season. «We are a soccer team, and it remains to be seen whether we can fly,» said Olympiakos midfielder Enzo Maresca at a press event for an airline, «but if we make the last 16 of the Champions League, it will be like flying,» said the Italian. The good news for Olympiakos manager Zico is that Moroccan winger Jaouad Zairi has quickly recovered from the injury that kept him out of action at Xanthi and is on the squad that has been announced for tomorrow’s tie. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said yesterday upon the Premiership side’s arrival in Athens: «I am going to give a chance to some players on Wednesday, for various reasons. We have so many injuries and we don’t want to take any risks.» «We should also give a breather to some of the players when we can,» said the French manager, indicating that a reserve side may face Olympiakos at the Karaiskaki Stadium, given that Arsenal has already won the group. Meanwhile in the Super League, struggling PAS Giannina is looking for a new coach after the resignation of Giorgos Paraschos on Sunday. The Greek manager decided to quit after the 3-2 home loss to Iraklis and the obscene chants against him by PAS fans. No immediate replacement has been announced.
