Olympiacos face Fenerbahce in Crete: The first big test of the season with many unknowns

Ahead of the 2026-25 EuroLeague season, Olympiacos had an intriguing warm-up match against Fenerbahce in the IBT tournament in Crete. This was not just a simple fitness test but also an opportunity for head coach Giorgos Bartzokas to evaluate the integration of new signings, especially Jean Montero, amid significant roster changes.

The match took place just two days after the entire Olympiacos squad had fully assembled, highlighting the Greek team's extremely limited preparation time. The absence of captain Kostas Papanikolaou due to a national team injury was a significant loss, impacting both the defensive capability and the fighting spirit of the whole team. Additionally, the departure of Giannoulis Larentzakis (moving to AEK) left a gap in the rotation, creating opportunities for young talents like Montero to shine.

Newcomer Montero and the integration puzzle

Jean Montero, the 21-year-old Dominican guard, is one of Olympiacos's most notable signings this summer. With experience in the ACB for Granada and a brief stint at Real Madrid, Montero is expected to bring creativity and scoring ability from the point guard position. However, the biggest question is whether he can adapt to Bartzokas's demanding tactical system, which requires high defensive discipline.

Speaking before the match, Montero said: "Olympiacos is a challenge and I like challenges." This statement shows the young player's confidence and desire, but the pressure from the media and the expectations of the fans will be a significant challenge. Montero's performance against Fenerbahce will be the first signal to assess his potential for integration.

Rival Fenerbahce and a packed schedule

Interestingly, Olympiacos and Fenerbahce will meet again just a few days later in the semi-finals of the Abu Dhabi Super Cup (September 18). This creates a unique scenario where the two teams have the opportunity to engage in continuous tactical battles in a short period. For Bartzokas, facing a strong team like Fenerbahce early on is an excellent opportunity to test his players' tactical reactions while exposing weaknesses that need to be addressed before the official season begins.

However, the packed schedule also carries fitness risks. With Papanikolaou already sidelined, Bartzokas will have to carefully manage the playing time of his key players to avoid unnecessary injuries.

Tactical puzzle: The return of the Greek 'Big Three'?

According to summer power rankings, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos are considered the top two teams in the EuroLeague this season. This reflects the strong resurgence of Greek basketball on the continental stage. However, being placed at number one also comes with immense pressure. Any unfavorable results in the early season could trigger waves of criticism from the media.

Bartzokas, who has led Olympiacos to three consecutive Final Fours (2026, 2026, 2026), understands this well. He said: "Players left, players came, but our goal remains always the same." This statement is both an affirmation of ambition and a way to maintain team spirit amidst roster changes.

Conclusion: A season of anticipation

The match against Fenerbahce in Crete is just the beginning of a long and challenging journey for Olympiacos. Positive signs from the performances of new signings, especially Montero, along with Papanikolaou's return from injury, will be key factors determining the team's success. If Olympiacos can navigate this integration phase smoothly, they can certainly aim for a Final Four spot and even the EuroLeague championship.

However, if the integration process is slow or injuries continue to plague the team, the pressure from high expectations could become a burden. The 2026-25 season promises to be a dramatic one, and Olympiacos is undoubtedly one of the main characters not to be missed.