Marca reports Atletico interest in Olympiacos bench boss
By: Peter Katsiris | January 30th, 2009
According to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Atletico Madrid is interested in the services of Olympiacos manager Ernesto Valverde. While the capital club currently employs Mexican manager Javier Aguirre, Atletico is keen to secure the services of Olympiacos’ Spanish tactician in the offseason.
Arriving in the port city of Piraeus this past summer, Valverde started his career in Greece with a horrific loss and early elimination from the UEFA Champions League, as Anorthosis Famagusta slipped past Olympiacos in the third qualifying round.
Things quickly turned around, however, as the Greek Champions continued to improve to reach top form ahead of the Christmas break.
With Olympiacos performing and playing its best football in Greece and in Europe, Olympiacos president Sokratis Kokkalis has reacted quickly to open negotiations over a contract extension for Valverde. While the Spaniard has enjoyed his time in Greece, there are rumors his family has not settled in the Eastern Meditteranean, and discomfort for his loved ones could limit Valverde’s time in Piraeus.
In Spain, Marca suggests ‘Los Colchoneros’ will be part of a managerial swap in the summer, and Valverde is favourite to be Aguirre’s predecessor.
Understandably, Valverde is a reputable figure on the sidelines; notably for his run to the finals of the UEFA Cup in 2007 while coaching RCD Espanyol. In addition, Atletico has not yet lived up to expectations, despite progressing to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, and contending for yet another top-four finish in Spain.
So, while the speculation continues to grow, it appears the likelihood of Valverde penning a new deal with the Greek giants ahead of the offseason is very unlikely; especially with a possible move to Madrid in the cards.
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Tags: 2008/2009 Season, Atletico Madrid, Ernesto Valverde, Greece, Greek Super League, Olympiacos, Olympiacos Team News, Spain, TransfersSubscribe
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