Olympiacos picks Imanol Barrenetxea after saying goodbye to Mendilibar

In the heart of Piraeus, Olympiacos fans bid farewell to José Luis Mendilibar, the coach who led the club through two seasons of success, culminating with the Conference League win over Fiorentina, before president Evangelos Marinakis announced his successor.

New Basque coach confirmed

Olympiacos announced on its official channels that Imanol Alguacil Barrenetxea will be the new first‑team manager. The note, published on the Piraeus club’s website, states: “Olympiacos FC announces the appointment of Imanol Alguacil Barrenetxea as first‑team manager.”

Olympiacos president Evangelos Marinakis highlighted the choice of a Spanish coach from the Basque Country, emphasizing the continuity of a European project after the continental triumph.

The Basque roots

Imanol Alguacil Barrenetxea was born on 4 July 1971 in Orio, in the Basque Country, and began his football career at Real Sociedad, a club where he developed both as a player and as a coach.

From 2018 to 2025 he managed Real Sociedad’s first team for six and a half seasons, tallying 330 appearances on the bench. Under his stewardship, the club won the Copa del Rey in 2021.

Before joining Olympiacos, Barrenetxea coached Saudi club Al‑Shabab, adding an international stint to his résumé.

With Barrenetxea’s arrival, Olympiacos aims to consolidate its presence in Europe, leveraging the experience of a coach who has already proven capable of winning trophies and managing squads in varied settings.