In Piraeus, where Olympiacos carry the expectation of winning every weekend, Armando “Hormiga” González has arrived from Mexico with an early lesson in the stakes of Greek football. Nery Castillo, the former Mexico international whose own career included a notable spell at the club, believes the striker has chosen the right path by continuing in Europe.
González backed for European step at Olympiacos
Castillo has remained close to Olympiacos as a supporter and watched González make his Europa League debut. He hopes his compatriot can use the move as a platform towards one of Europe’s bigger leagues, but has warned that the adjustment in Greece will be immediate and demanding.
“Olympiacos cannot afford another defeat, or even a draw,” Castillo said. With two fixtures still to come before the derby, he described the next three matches as decisive: a sequence that could revive the side’s season or make the situation much more difficult if results fail to arrive.
The former forward contrasted that atmosphere with González’s experience at Chivas in Liga MX. At Guadalajara, a loss can be absorbed in a competition where the top eight qualify; at Olympiacos, even a setback around the fifth matchday can provoke major concern, regardless of how many league rounds remain.
That pressure, Castillo feels, is part of the opportunity. Olympiacos are Greece’s leading club, expected to attack and collect victories in every match, which should offer González chances in front of goal. If the Mexican can reproduce the 20-goal return he achieved in Mexico, Castillo believes a transfer will follow.
“I hope it works out well for him and proves to be the best move,” Castillo said, describing the decision to join Olympiacos as the right one for the forward’s development.
Remaining in Europe, he added, brings González closer to the market watched by clubs in stronger championships. Castillo wants to see the striker earn minutes, establish himself in the starting side and score regularly, with England, Italy or Spain the eventual destinations he has in mind. His hope is that Greece becomes a brief but productive stop rather than the final ceiling of González’s European journey.
SEO Title: Nery Castillo backs Armando González’s Olympiacos move
SEO Description: Former Olympiacos forward Nery Castillo says Armando “Hormiga” González made the right choice in joining the Greek club, while warning of the pressure awaiting him in Piraeus.
