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Greece: Panathinaikos struggle as Olympiakos win again [Mon Sep 19th, 2005]
Athens (Reuters) - Panathinaikos coach Alberto Malesani looked a worried man after watching his team held to a goalless draw at promoted Levadiakos.
After three games they are still looking for their first league win this season and, having lost 3-0 to Udinese in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, Malesani's future seems in doubt.
Olympiakos Piraeus, meanwhile, maintained their 100 percent start to the season when they won 3-0 at Kallithea.
The goals only came after the substitution of Rivaldo, who blamed coach Trond Sollied for using him out of position on the right side of midfield.
Rivaldo, however, used his personal website to attempt to play down the incident.
"What I do not want to project is that Rivaldo has a problem with the team and the coach. It is not that way," said the Brazilian's statement.
"The coach decides what is good for the team, and I respect his choices, and if there is an issue you can be certain that Mr Sollied will listen to my views, and we will find the best possible solution. He is an amazing person and coach."
Xanthi, beaten 2-0 by Middlesborough in the first leg of their UEFA Cup first round tie in midweek, responded with a comfortable 2-0 win over Apollon Kalamaria that puts them in second place, two points behind Olympiakos.
The weekend's best result came from another newcomer to the first division as Atromitos thrashed visiting OFI Crete 4-0.
Monday sees bottom club Iraklis hosting PAOK Salonika in the big Thessaloniki derby.
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