Olympiacos FC has officially parted ways with manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, a decision confirmed by the club following their failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The 65-year-old Spaniard, who had been in charge for two-and-a-half years since February 2024, leaves the Greek giants despite a solid start to the 2026/27 domestic season, where the team secured seven points from their opening three matches.
According to The Nottingham Post, this move by owner Evangelos Marinakis—who also owns Nottingham Forest and Portuguese club Rio Ave—marks the 25th managerial sacking across his football portfolio within the last 16 years. The high turnover of coaching staff remains a hallmark of Marinakis’ ownership model, which prioritizes immediate results across his multi-club network.
In a statement regarding Mendilibar’s departure, the club acknowledged his significant contributions, citing his role in securing the UEFA Conference League title in 2024 and a domestic treble during the club’s centenary year. “In football, as in life, there are cycles that eventually close,” the club stated, emphasizing that Mendilibar’s achievements have earned him a permanent place in the team’s history. Reports from Greece indicate that former Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is the primary candidate to succeed him.
Follow-up Questions
What is confirmed in this story?
Evangelos Marinakis dismisses Olympiacos manager Jose Luis Mendilibar Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis has dismissed Jose Luis Mendilibar, marking his 25th managerial sacking across his three football clubs in 16 years.
What should readers watch next?
According to The Nottingham Post , this move by owner Evangelos Marinakis—who also owns Nottingham Forest and Portuguese club Rio Ave—marks the 25th managerial sacking across his football portfolio within the last 16 years.
What remains unclear: The available reporting does not yet fully settle the next step in the story.
Perspectives
Ownership Strategy vs Club Legacy
Story lens
Ownership Strategy
Marinakis’ frequent changes in leadership signal an ownership model that prioritizes short-term performance indicators over long-term project continuity. By dismissing managers after minor setbacks, the owner maintains high pressure on staff, which may lead to immediate results but risks long-term stability and team cohesion
Club Legacy
The club’s tribute to Mendilibar acknowledges that despite the abrupt end of his tenure, his role in securing the UEFA Conference League title remains a historic achievement. This duality reflects the tension between the club’s need for constant evolution and the emotional attachment of the fan base to successful coaching cycles
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