Odysseas Vlachodimos, a surprising addition to Newcastle United, was revealed by ChronicleLive when they spoke with former Greece manager Gus Poyet.
The first time around, at the height of takeover mania, the Portuguese press was speculating that Odysseas Vlachodimos would move to Newcastle United for €60 million. Of fact, it said nothing, but it does tell you something about the goalie’s position in the game at the time. A few years later, Vlachodimos comes to Newcastle a little battered from his tough Premier League first season with Nottingham Forest.
But Gus Poyet is one man who has never wavered in his faith. Though certain Geordies of a particular era may find that moniker unsettling, the former Greece manager has a better understanding of Vlachodimos and his mindset than most.
According to Poyet, “He was always my number one,” ChronicleLive reported. “He is an excellent goalie. Not only because he performed for me, I mean that. You have to acknowledge that when you have a player who spent a significant amount of time playing for Benfica and who participated in important Champions League and Portugal matches.”
It’s easy to forget that Benfica’s 2022 and 2023 Champions League quarterfinal appearances were largely made possible by the same championship-winning goalie. This is the same seasoned stopper who, while playing for Poyet, had twelve clean sheets.
Nottingham Forest supporters, however, were unable to witness it. In his lone and only dismal season at the City Ground, Vlachodimos gave up 16 goals in just six games after recording a shutout in his debut, an outstanding 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, last November.
The last time Vlachodimos played for Forest was back in January, and Nuno was so moved that he signed Matz Sels, a former Newcastle player who had struggled, during the midseason transfer window. But Poyet supported his man.
The former Sunderland boss commented, “I was very pleased when he went to the Premier League and to Forest.” “After that, it was evident that something was wrong because he was not playing and other goalkeepers and coaches were brought in.
He wasn’t playing, so I had a tough decision to make, but I wasn’t scared to play him. The other two goalkeepers we had were excellent goalkeepers who were in the game all the time.
However, he is secure and at ease. You can always count on him as your goalie, and he enjoys playing. He’s at ease passing out, much like when we used to play outside from the back. He typically made wise choices about when to pass it, kick it, or take a break.
“He’s also a productive teammate. Constantly accessible. He talks when it is necessary. He has no qualms about speaking up. He has expertise. He is quite composed and competent. It’s a pleasure to have him on your team. He is a devoted family man. No issues at all.”
It was evident that Newcastle was still drawn to those attributes when the Magpies and Nottingham Forest had last-minute discussions on Elliot Anderson and Vlachodimos. Following Loris Karius’ departure, Newcastle was looking for a number three. Poyet disclosed that Vlachodimos is, obviously, “very happy” to transfer to St James’ Park after getting in contact with the 30-year-old.
With the addition of experienced John Ruddy, Newcastle now has five senior goalkeepers. If Martin Dubravka departs as anticipated later this summer, Vlachodimos may still get the chance to challenge Nick Pope for the starting job as a substitute.
Poyet continued, “He will fight for a place.” “He would attempt to obtain that shirt as well, although he never had an issue with the other goalkeepers.
“He’s not the type of goalie who will have strained interpersonal ties. In complete contrast. He will get along with the other goalkeepers in an exceptional manner.
“You are up against other goalkeepers, but you want to persuade the coach.” You and the coach are to blame for your lack of play, not the other goalkeepers.
“He understands that quite well. He is aware of that. In addition to being a good teammate and wanting the best for the group, he also wants to play, which is advantageous to the opposition.
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