As is usually the case with Evangelos Marinakis, it’s been a busy week for the Nottingham Forest owner.
Fortunately for Nottingham Forest, his attention does not appear to be on them too much at this moment in time. Well, if you ignore Edu’s exit behind the scenes at the City Ground anyway.
Instead, the drama is unfolding over in Greece at another of his clubs, Olympiacos. And it’s typical Marinakis fare too.
Greek tragedy
As you’ve probably seen, manager José Luis Mendilibar has been sacked after just three leagues games of the season. He became the 25th manager Marinakis has sacked over a 16-year span across his multi-club football portfolio.
Anyway, that’s naturally led to a few confused glances given how successful the Spaniard was at the club. For example, Marca report that he ‘leaves as an idol’ given he won the Super League, a Cup and the Greek Super Cup as well as the UEFA Conference League – the only European title in the history of the club.
El Correo, meanwhile, label it a ‘real surprise’ in Greek football and also within the club’s fanbase. Indeed, according to them even the latest results supported Mendilibar. He had won seven out of nine available and progressed in the cup as well.
It was perhaps being knocked out of the Champions League that did for him. Anyway, Marinakis has sent him packing and quickly brought in a replacement – Imanol Alguacil.
Meeting with players
And, rather than letting them all get on with it, he’s been supporting his new manager in front of the players at Olympiacos’ training group. He did this alongside presenting new director of football Antonio Cordón and Head of Recruitment Geoffrey Moncada.
His appearance, according to Sport Time, was a ‘substantive presentation of the club’s future direction.’ They also have his full – and rather extensive comments – to the group. We won’t put all of those here, just the relevant bits.
Tthe Nottingham Forest owner ‘addressed the players, outlining his vision for the path ahead and the expectations placed upon the team in this new era.’
“I am happy to be here and to see you all at the start of the season – both for the Europa League and, of course, the Championship,”he said.
“We have made several new signings and some significant changes. Everything we do is for the benefit of the club – our greatest love, which is the team, OLYMPIACOS.
“Naturally, we always value the players, coaches, and staff members with whom we have worked and collaborated. We consider all of them members of our family; the friendship and mutual respect that developed remain forever.
“This applies to Mr. Mendilibar and to Mr. Kovačević. Now, today, I would like to introduce you to Imanol, the new coach. He is one of the best coaches we could have brought to the team. He fits our mentality and our winning spirit, and he brings the necessary experience.”
Expectations clear
The second person – someone who is also familiar to us, with whom we have worked in the past, and with whom he had to take a break for personal reasons – is Sporting Director Antonio Cordón.
“He is a highly experienced individual, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship over the last few years. We intend to make the most of his experience and his character.
“Another person with whom we began collaborating over a month ago is Geoffrey Moncada, serving as the Head of Recruitment for Olympiacos and our group. What I want to tell you is that we have chosen the best possible team, and I want everyone here to give more than 100% so that we can achieve our goals.”
Next up, he made it clear to the squad what he will be demanding of them this season following his late summer changes.
“What I want and demand from everyone is dedication and for you to give your all in training; I assure you that this team will be here to collaborate, support, and bring out the best in everyone,” he added.
“I don’t want to say more. I want to see hard work, dedication, results, and victories. Stay healthy and strong, and we will continue to achieve great things together – as a family and as the outstanding team that we are. All the best to everyone.”
How this was received by the new manager or those above him, isn’t mentioned by the Greek outlet. They, like everyone else, still seem to be in a state of shock over what’s gone on.
But it should serve as a warning to Nottingham Forest. They know all about Marinakis’ whims and it appears that they’ve not been satisfied by the constant changes at Forest last season.
In fact, Oliver Glasner and his team should perhaps be looking over their shoulders in case Marinakis gets bored again in the coming weeks. Nobody is safe, not even legends.
