Antwerp 3–0 in a friendly that stings
Olympiacos were beaten 3–0 by Antwerp in their fifth pre-season friendly, and the scoreline was not the worst part (2) (3). Defensive gaps and a lack of intensity were the story. Mendilibar called the performance nowhere near what a Champions League qualifier demands (4). Two goals came in a three-minute spell early in the second half, and the team never recovered (2) (7).
José Sá lined up as Tzolakis nears Hull exit
Olympiacos are working on bringing José Sá back to Piraeus (1). Konstantis Tzolakis is close to joining Hull, and Sá is the top candidate to replace him. The Wolves keeper left Olympiacos five years ago and would walk straight into the starting role (1). No deal is done yet, but the direction is clear.
NEC Nijmegen are next, and the alarm is real
Mendilibar warned weeks ago not to underestimate NEC, who finished ahead of Ajax last season. After this defeat, that warning hits harder. The third qualifying round is days away, and the defensive shape shown against Antwerp will not be enough.
