Olympiacos Begins Season with Big Test: Facing Fenerbahce in Crete

Olympiacos Begins Season with Big Test: Facing Fenerbahce in Crete Crete, Greece – With the 2026-25 EuroLeague season just weeks away, Olympiacos has chosen an ambitious early test: facing Fenerbahce on Crete soil. The game is part of the IBT Euroleague tournament, where Olympiacos will first meet Fenerbahce, then play a classification match against Armani Milan or Red Star on Sunday. This is no ordinary friendly. For Olympiacos, it is a rare opportunity to test an almost complete roster after a turbulent summer. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas made a telling statement: "Players left, players came, but our goal remains always the same." That sentence is both a reaffirmation of ambition and a warning: Olympiacos is not simply rebuilding; they are upgrading. The most notable change is the arrival of Jean Montero, the 21-year-old Dominican talent who previously played for Real Madrid and Granada in the ACB. Montero joins Olympiacos with the mindset of a challenger: "Olympiacos is a challenge and I like challenges." He is part of a wave of young, high-potential players who have yet to prove consistency at the EuroLeague level. Montero's integration into Bartzokas's structured system – which demands defensive discipline and organized offensive execution – is the biggest uncertainty of the season. However, Olympiacos also faces significant losses. Kostas Papanikolaou, the spiritual leader and defensive anchor, suffered an injury during national team duty. At 34, his recovery is a major question mark. His absence in the early season could severely impact team stability. Meanwhile, Giannoulis Larentzakis, an experienced player, has left the team to join AEK. This move frees up salary and roster spot, but also reduces depth. Another notable signal is former player Tzirovic's criticism of Miller-McIntyre, who is expected to take the primary ball-handling role. Tzirovic suggested Miller-McIntyre has not lived up to expectations, while praising Francisco. This may reflect an internal debate about the point guard hierarchy, and if Montero adapts quickly, he could leapfrog them. The Crete game is a chance for Bartzokas to evaluate the chemistry between new and old players. The full squad only assembled two days before the game, indicating a compressed preparation window. Bartzokas is known for his obsession with preparation, but throwing the team into a high-intensity game immediately shows he prioritizes competitive reps over protecting preseason records. This event also carries broader strategic significance: EuroLeague is expanding its influence into the Gulf region. Immediately after the Crete tournament, Olympiacos will face Fenerbahce again at the Abu Dhabi Super Cup – a newly established competition marking EuroLeague's first step into the Middle East market. This is a strong commercial signal, while creating a rare double-header scenario in preseason. The rise of Greek basketball is another compelling story. In summer power rankings, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos sit at numbers 1 and 2 respectively. This reflects a shift from the era of Spanish and Turkish dominance. If both teams maintain form, EuroLeague could witness an all-Greek Final Four, a scenario with huge commercial and cultural appeal. But not everything is rosy. The risk of Papanikolaou's injury, the uncertain integration of Montero, and the pressure of high expectations (ranked 1-2) could create a psychological burden. Bartzokas must manage these factors well to avoid a painful fall. The game against Fenerbahce in Crete is not just a friendly. It is a comprehensive test: of fitness, tactics, and mentality. If Olympiacos passes, they will enter the season on a solid foundation. If not, the first cracks will have appeared. Lessons from last season: Olympiacos reached the EuroLeague final in 2026 but lost to Real Madrid. In 2026, they stopped at the semifinals. They have proven consistency at the highest level, but to win the title, they need more. The addition of Montero, along with the return of key players, could be the final piece. In this context, the Crete game is a deliberate move. Bartzokas wants to see immediately how new players react under pressure. And Fenerbahce, with their own roster undergoing restructuring, is an ideal opponent for a trial by fire. Another notable point is the emergence of Karagiannis, a young player who said: "I want to try, to see if I can or not." That quote shows high internal competition – a positive signal for the locker room. Tactically, Olympiacos remains loyal to a possession-based style, relying on ball movement and tight defense. Bartzokas's system has been proven over multiple seasons, but integrating new players like Montero, who has a more free-flowing style, requires adjustment. Can Montero adhere to tactical discipline? That is the big question. Meanwhile, Fenerbahce under a new coach is also rebuilding. They have a physically strong and fast roster, especially in the backcourt. The matchup between Montero and Fenerbahce's guards will be an intriguing subplot. Looking ahead, the Abu Dhabi Super Cup could be a stepping stone for EuroLeague to hold regular-season games in the Gulf region in the future. This would completely reshape the commercial landscape of European basketball. Returning to Olympiacos, their goal is clear: win the EuroLeague. To do that, they need to overcome early-season challenges. The game against Fenerbahce in Crete is the first step. And if everything goes smoothly, we will see a stronger Olympiacos, ready for the conquest. But basketball doesn't always follow the script. Injuries, slow integration, or psychological pressure can derail any plan. Bartzokas knows that. He has prepared for every scenario. The 2026-25 EuroLeague season promises to be exciting. With the rise of Greek basketball, global expansion, and high-stakes matchups from the start, fans have reason to be thrilled. Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce in Crete is just an appetizer. The main course will come in Abu Dhabi, and then throughout the long season. Let's wait and see if Olympiacos can turn challenges into opportunities. The answer will begin in Crete.