Olympiacos has dismissed head coach José Luis Mendilibar despite a historic tenure that included capturing the UEFA Conference League and a domestic treble, with the Greek club moving quickly toward the appointment of former Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil as his successor.
A Shock Dismissal in Piraeus
Olympiacos announced the departure of José Luis Mendilibar, ending a successful coaching stint that began in February 2024. Despite a contract running through June 2027, the Greek club opted for a coaching change following recent domestic results and a dramatic exit in European qualification.
Mendilibar’s final match at the helm concluded with a 3-2 victory in the Greek Cup, while the team had opened the domestic league campaign with two wins and a draw across their first three matches. However, the pivotal blow arrived during the UEFA Champions League preliminary rounds, where Olympiacos bowed out against NEC Nijmegen after a 2-1 defeat in extra time during the return leg.
Legacy of the Conference League and Centennial Treble
Mendilibar departs having delivered the most successful chapter in Olympiacos history. Under his guidance, the Piraeus side clinched the UEFA Conference League, marking the first major European trophy in the club’s history.
Following that continental breakthrough, Mendilibar steered the squad to a domestic sweep during the club’s centennial season, capturing the Greek Super League, the Greek Cup, and the Greek Super Cup. In its official statement, the club acknowledged the historic cycle: “In football, as in life, cycles sometimes close. What resonates in eternity is what you have achieved.”
Imanol Alguacil Set to Take Over
Greek media outlets point to Imanol Alguacil as the preferred candidate to replace Mendilibar in the dugout. Alguacil, 55, has been available since February following the conclusion of his brief tenure with Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab. Prior to that move, Alguacil spent six and a half seasons leading Real Sociedad, where he secured the Copa del Rey in 2020 and established the San Sebastián club as a consistent contender in European competition.
Olympiacos finished the previous domestic campaign in second place behind league champions AEK Athens, while also suffering elimination in the domestic cup.
Fans can follow official club channels and league broadcasts for updates regarding the finalization of the new coaching staff.
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