SPORTS

Poor performances cost Michel his Olympiakos job

Olympiakos announced late on Tuesday the departure of Spanish coach Michel after nearly two years at the helm.

The Spaniard was seen in a positive light until recently, but the failure to get a spot in the Champions League second round and to hold on to the top spot in the league, combined with some poor performances, convinced Olympiakos owner Vangelis Marinakis that he had seen enough.

“Olympiakos is announcing the end of its cooperation with manager Michel Gonzalez. The entire family of Olympiakos thanks Michel for his contribution to the club and wishes him every success in his career,» read the Olympiakos statement.

Reports in the local press suggested the former Sevilla manager had lost control of the locker room, with a clash reported with Dutch international Ibrahim Afellay. The league losses to Atromitos and PAOK and the unsatisfactory performances in several other games made the club’s ownership lose its patience, with the hard-fought win over Platanias on Sunday being the final straw.

The Reds have not yet found a successor, and assistant coach Antonis Nikopolidis will likely be on the team’s bench on Wednesday for the Cup game against Fostiras. Reports say the next Olympiakos coach will also be a foreigner.

Meanwhile Cypriot champion APOEL sacked on Tuesday its Greek manager Giorgos Donis.

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