Imanol Alguacil takes over Olympiacos as Antonio Cordón returns as sporting director

Olympiacos have launched a new era with a strong Spanish influence. The Piraeus club announced on Monday the appointment of Imanol Alguacil as head coach, just 24 hours after dismissing José Luis Mendilibar. The move comes with another major development: Antonio Cordón returns to the Greek side as sporting director, a role he already held during the 2023-2024 season.

• Imanol Alguacil replaces Mendilibar in the Olympiacos dugout
• Antonio Cordón returns as sporting director and backed the arrival of the Basque coach
• The team drew 1-1 with Volos FC in the Greek league
• Cordón won the Conference League with Olympiacos in his previous spell
• Mendilibar was sacked after the Champions League qualifying exit to NEC Nijmegen

Imanol Alguacil, the coach Antonio Cordón chose for Olympiacos

Imanol Alguacil has already taken charge of his first training session with the first-team squad. The Basque coach lands in Greece with the full backing of Antonio Cordón, the man behind the operation. The sporting director was instrumental in bringing him to Piraeus to lead a project focused on returning Olympiacos to winning ways.

The appointment of the Spanish boss represents an immediate shift in the club's sporting planning. He arrives in the middle of the domestic season, with the team under pressure to react after a shaky start that has raised concerns among the Piraeus faithful.

Antonio Cordón returns to Olympiacos after winning the 2024 Conference League

Antonio Cordón is no stranger to Greek football. The sporting director previously held the same position during the 2023-2024 campaign, when Olympiacos lifted the Conference League in a historic season for the club. His return brings a highly experienced executive back into the decision-making structure.

Before his first spell in Piraeus, Cordón built a lengthy CV at clubs including Villarreal, where he worked from 2000 to 2016, Monaco, the Ecuadorian Football Federation and Real Betis. His most recent job before heading back to Greece was at Sevilla, which he joined in 2025 and left in May.

Why Olympiacos sacked José Luis Mendilibar

Mendilibar's exit came after Olympiacos drew 1-1 away to Volos FC on the third matchday of the Greek league. That setback followed the club's elimination from the Champions League qualifying rounds at the hands of NEC Nijmegen, a major blow for a side accustomed to competing in Europe.

The Basque coach leaves the bench after failing to meet expectations at the start of the season. The board moved quickly to change direction and turned to another Spanish manager, trusting Imanol Alguacil to get the project back on track.

What Olympiacos are playing for in the Greek Super League after the coaching change

Olympiacos face the challenge of making up ground in the Greek top flight. Last season the red-and-whites finished second in the league behind champions AEK Athens and were also knocked out of the Greek Cup. That lack of silverware weighs heavily at a club that does not tolerate trophy-less campaigns.

The new coaching staff has little room for error. Imanol Alguacil must turn the team around in a demanding league and restore the competitive edge that has defined Olympiacos, especially at their Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium home.

Olympiacos, Greece's most decorated club and its demand for immediate titles

Pressure in Piraeus is immense, driven by history and honours. Olympiacos are the most decorated club in Greek football, with 48 league titles and 29 Greek Cups to their name. That domestic dominance means any season without a trophy is seen as a failure by both fans and the board.

Against that backdrop, the arrival of Imanol Alguacil and the return of Antonio Cordón are aimed at restoring the club's winning identity. The roadmap looks clear: rebuild from the sporting director's office and put the first team back in the fight for every national trophy.

FAQ about the new Olympiacos of Imanol and Cordón