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Olympiacos's Rivaldo revolution

Rivaldo's arrival has symbolised a new spirit at Greek challengers Olympiacos CFP.

By Paris Ayiomamatis

Olympiacos CFP and former World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo share, it seems, a common fate.

Shared characteristics
Only a few months ago, the Brazilian star was without a club and routinely dismissed as an ageing diva while Olympiacos were lambasted as a spent force after failing to secure an eighth successive Greek title. That has all changed since player and team joined forces in the summer.

Impressive start
The Athens side's 1-0 victory against Liverpool FC on UEFA Champions League Matchday 2 capped an impressive start to the season and strengthened belief that they can make an impact in Europe's premier club competition after years of underachievement.

Table toppers
Olympiacos lead Group A with four points, ahead of AS Monaco FC, runners-up last term, and RC Deportivo La Coruña. They are looking to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in five years, while Rivaldo is playing so well that a return to the Brazil squad is not off the cards.

'Even better'
"Rivaldo is a great player and at 32 he is a role model for the younger players," said coach Dusan Bajevic, back at the club after a five-year absence. "He will be even better in the future. He has immense ability but he hasn't played for a long time and that is a factor."

European champions
The player returned the compliment, saying that Olympiacos have the ability to emulate the success of Greece's UEFA EURO 2004™ winners, turning the tables on Europe's giants to take the crown in the Champions League.

Self-belief
Such sentiments may not be widespread, but Olympiacos certainly do not lack faith in themselves, particularly after overcoming a highly-rated Liverpool side. "Olympiacos deserved to win," reflected defender Dimitrios Mavrogenidis. "We have a very good team and can win anywhere."

Positive outlook
That positive outlook is a reflection of the mood at a club which has rung the changes since last season. Losing the Greek title to local rivals Panathinaikos FC and suffering a 7-0 defeat at Juventus FC in a joyless Champions League campaign persuaded club owner Sokratis Kokkalis that steps had to be taken.

Defensive reinforcements
Goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis and Argentinian defender Gabriel Schürrer were signed in the summer - and have helped to keep clean sheets in both Champions League outings to date - while Rivaldo and Cypriot striker Ioannis Okkas have provided extra firepower.

Improved side
Midfield player Ieroklis Stoltidis, scorer of the 17th-minute winner against Liverpool, has certainly noticed the difference in quality. "Olympiacos are clearly better than last year," he said. "We keep our opponents away from our goal so our defence comes under less pressure."

Coaching coup
The return of Bajevic, who was dismissed after taking the club to the knockout stages in 1998/99 because he was not considered capable of leading Olympiacos into the big time, is also a factor. His arrival has brought defensive rigour, as Olympiacos showed in their Matchday 1 draw at Deportivo.

New stadium
Bajevic's side have also benefited from the atmosphere at the newly-built Georgios Karaiskakis stadium. "Our home ground is our biggest weapon," said forward Georgios Georgiadis. "The atmosphere is just fantastic." However, it is not at home where Olympiacos have historically had problems.

Bad travellers
The club are still to win an away game in the Champions League. If they can change that statistic at Monaco on 19 October, Rivaldo's dream of a European Champion Clubs' Cup winners' medal may not seem quite so outlandish.

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