By Graham Wood
ATHENS, April 19 (Reuters) – Ernesto Valverde is stepping
down as coach of Greek champions Olympiakos Pireaus, he said on
Thursday.
The Spaniard led the club to their 39th league title this
season in his second spell in charge.
“I do not want to dwell too much or become emotional, it’s a
very difficult day for me,” said Valverde whose two-year
contract runs out at the end of the season.
“The reasons for my decision are personal. I have completed
three years in total with Olympiakos which is a demanding club
as the fans always call for victory,” Valverde told a news
conference.
“In 2008 when I first came to Olympiakos I had no idea what
I was getting into. I was surprised with what I saw and was
unsure if I had made the right decision. Now I know it was
definitely the right decision and I want you to all know that.”
Valverde was at the helm when Olympiakos won the title in
2009 and the Basque technician also won the Greek Cup to
complete a domestic double in his debut season before a short
stint with Villarreal.
He returned to Olympiakos in 2010 to replace Ewald Lienen,
helping the club win their 38th league title.
Greek media reports have touted Valencia coach Unai Emery
Etxegoien as the prime candidate wanted by Olympiakos owner
Vangelis Marinakis to succeed Valverde.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
