OFI OFFER HOPE FOR CLUBS OUTSIDE OF THE TRADITIONAL ‘BIG-FIVE’

OFI offer hope for clubs outside of the traditional ‘big-five’ after a remarkable achievement in the regular season of the Greek Super League.

OFI have enjoyed a remarkable campaign to date in the regular season of the Greek Super League. The Cretan club wrapped up fifth spot in the final round of the season with a big 3-0 win over Lamia at home. This resulted in a playoff berth in the Super League Playoffs, and the club will also definitely avoid relegation. It is a great achievement for the team that edged Platanias just under a year ago in a tense relegation/promotion playoff tie courtesy of a stunning last-ditch goal to preserve their top-flight status.

That win over Lamia was OFI’s tenth win in 26 matches this season - a great return and two more victories than Aris. The team scored 35 goals and conceded 35 goals, illustrating their desire to attack and exploiting their strengths, including pace and power. This adventurous, ‘no fear’ approach under rookie coach Giorgos Simos served the team well.

Simos deserves immense credit for this remarkable achievement that has been widely dubbed as the ‘success story of the season.’ He has built a team greater than the sum of its parts, fostering a strong team culture and togetherness. He did not have the money at his disposal to spend on quality players, unlike most teams in the traditional ‘big-five.’

The club’s president, Michael Bousis, also deserves praise. It is often hard for teams outside the big cities to succeed. Larissa have found it tough this season under the controversial Alexis Kougias, as has Volos under the equally controversial Achilleas Beos. OFI’s ‘under the radar’ approach has paved the way for the smaller to medium-sized clubs in Greece to break into the top half of the Greek Super League.

Given the issues currently plaguing Panathinaikos and Aris at the European level, in terms of bans, there is a good chance OFI participate in Europe for the first time in decades. The last time the Cretans played in Europe was 20 years ago in the year 2000, in the first and second rounds of qualifying for the old UEFA Cup, now Europa League (they lost to Slavia Prague in the second round).

This puts into perspective the magnitude of OFI’s success so far this season. They will be underdogs and massively unfancied in the Championship playoffs, but write them off at your peril.

credits: www.agonasport.com