The script has been rewritten in Piraeus. This is not a repeat of last season’s struggles. This is a calculated pivot. Olympiacos is overhauling its roster, and the direction is unmistakable: Spain. Manager Jose Luis Mendilibar is finally getting what he asked for. The era of guesswork is over. The era of trusted names begins now.
A Lesson Learned from Pain
Let’s be blunt. Last season was a masterclass in missed opportunities. The club admits it. They know they ignored Mendilibar’s requests, opting instead for "gamble" signings that failed to deliver. Remember the number eight position? The club passed on Miya to save 8 million euros, only to sign Diogo Nascimento. Was it a financial win? Maybe. Was it a sporting disaster? Absolutely. The manager didn’t get the tool he needed, and the title slipped away. The playoffs offered a chance to turn it around, but the squad lacked the decisive edge. Mendilibar gave them every opportunity. They couldn’t seize it. So, the board has moved on. The support for the 63-year-old Basque coach is no longer just verbal; it’s contractual, financial, and immediate.
The Spanish Connection
Now, the real work begins. Mendilibar doesn’t have a massive wishlist of superstars. He has a specific list of players he knows, trusts, and believes can win in Greece. The top target? Unai Lopez from Rayo Vallecano. This deal is heating up fast. Expect concrete news right after the Conference League final against Crystal Palace. With European qualifiers looming, the timeline is tight, but the intent is clear. Then there’s Brian Hil. The name is back on the table, gaining momentum. More Spanish names will follow. These aren’t just headlines for the papers. These are players meant to cement the squad’s identity. The club is done with experiments. They are building a unit. A unit built on Mendilibar’s blueprint. The question isn’t if they will arrive. The question is: are they ready for the heat of Piraeus?
olympiacos finally doing it right ngl. mendilibar knows his stuff. Unai Lopez would be a steal tbh. hope they don't mess this up again...