The New Gods. At the top of Olympus last season, the Piraeus club decided to hit hard this summer. To strengthen, the Greek team welcomed several reinforcements like Šime Vrsaljko, Cédric Bakambu or Marcelo. Free since the end of his contract at Real Madrid, the 34-year-old Brazilian interested a few clubs like OGC Nice. But it was ultimately Olympiakos who convinced him to say yes. They thus united for better and for worse on September 2.
“Brazilian superstar Marcelo at Olympiacos. Olympiacos announces the acquisition of a football legend, Marcelo, who will wear the red and white jersey., read the press release published on the club’s official website. The Real Madrid legend, who has signed a one-year contract plus an optional year, has been joined by another former Casa Blanca player: James Rodriguez. After terminating his lease at Al-Rayyan, the 31-year-old Colombian fled to Greece on September 15. Olympiacos were also delighted to announce “the signing of another star of world football” in his press release.
Marcelo boosted sales
And we can say that the first bet of the Piraeus club is successful. Indeed, at the media level as well as in terms of marketing, the arrival of Marcelo was a real success. That of James was also expected. This is what Martial Debeaux, journalist and specialist in Greek football explains to us on footballski. “Inevitably, their arrival created a lot of expectations, especially Marcelo who was welcomed in a full stadium, with an event specially planned for this purpose. I would say that he created more expectations than James because he was a former Real Madrid player (he played there last year, editor’s note) and a pillar during the Champions League victories..
He pursues : “no one expected to see him in Greece. James arrived later, in September, and the team had a complicated situation. So it probably played on the enthusiasm, although obviously the fans were delighted.. And this was felt at the merchandising level. “Regarding Marcelo, there were a lot of shirt sales at the time of his presentation, with his flocking running out of stock quickly. There was also a bit of an effect on ticketing but nothing sensational. The results are too irregular for the moment”.
The James effect is felt on the pitch
Fourth in the Super League with 17 points, Olympiacos is ten points behind Panathinaikos, leader with 27 points. The Piraeus club is also behind Volos (20 points) and AEK (18 points). And we can’t say that Marcelo has really helped his team yet. Substitute, he came into play 3 times. On October 6, he played 31 minutes against Qarabag in the Europa League. Then, he was 11 minutes on the pre against OFI in the league on October 9. He again played 31 minutes in the return leg against Qarabag in C3. If in Madrid he was already on the decline, the Brazilian is in the hard.
This is also the opinion of Martial Debeaux. “Regarding the pitch, Marcelo is clearly out of form. I’m not sure he’ll be able to play regularly, at least until the World Cup break. And when he comes into play, it’s as a winger, not even on the side, because he’s not ready even when he arrived at the end of August. Not at all physically fit, Marcelo is far from his best level. James Rodriguez, he is gradually gaining power. Author of 4 matches, all in the Super League, he was established 3 times.
The two stars play big
He totals a goal and two assists in his new colors. Good debut for the Colombian, who was recently called up. He therefore has everything to revive himself, according to Martial Debeaux. “James, on the other hand, played fast from the moment he arrived and he is clearly in much better shape. He already has two assists and one goal in four appearances. He is already essential in the eleven ”. James Rodriguez, like Marcelo, is therefore making their mark at a club where their contracts run until June 2023. The two men are therefore playing big, they who have an option for an additional year.
But for the moment, it is not yet the priority according to the Greek football specialist. “We are not talking about their future yet because the team is in such chaos right now that it is not very conducive to projection beyond this season. I think we will have to wait until January at least for that, especially to see if Marcelo can continue.. The Brazilian will therefore have to work twice as hard, just like James. Two elements who each bring in their own way and who have different fortunes at Olympiacos. A club where no gifts are given, not even to its new stars.
