TEMPO.CO, Athens - Olympiakos Piraeus have named Portuguese Vitor Pereira as their new coach on Wednesday, 24 hours after the removal of Spanish coach Michel.
Pereira, 46-year-old, who will start coaching on Thursday, made his name at Porto where he won league titles in 2012 and 2013, before coaching Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli.
“Olympiakos announce the start of its cooperation with Portuguese coach Vitoria Pereira,” Olympiakos said in a statement.
Pereira has reportedly agreed on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Greek champions.
Michel was successful in leading the club but was criticized for the team’s plain style and their failure to make it past the group stage of the Champions League.
The 51-year-old Michel has won two league titles and the 2013 Greek Cup with Olympiakos, who rank second in the Super League standing, one point behind leaders PAOK Salonika.
“After leaving the training ground for the last time and saying goodbye to my players and employees of the club who for the last two years made me feel at home, I was unable to hold back some tears. I will miss you,” Michel told the Olympiakos website.
“Football rarely notifies you early enough when you come and when you leave. I am leaving for my home, but a part of me will stay here. I was very happy here and I’ll take great memories with me.”
Michel is bond to a contract until June 2015, but despite his success, the team also reached the Champions League round of 16 last season.
Greek media reported that club owner Vangelis Marinakis was unhappy due to the club’s failure to play attractive football.
ANTARA
