He wore the Apollon jersey for the 2019-20 season on loan from AEK, and after six years he is returning to the Limassol club—but this time in a different role. We’re talking about Mario Antoniadis, who was announced by the “Blue and Whites” as the new Head of Recruitment for the soccer department.

The 35-year-old, working alongside the Sports Director and the scouting department, will be responsible for the process of identifying and evaluating players, as well as for team building and development.

In detail: “Apollon Football (Public) Ltd announces the start of its collaboration with Marios Antoniadis, who is taking on the role of Head of Recruitment for the soccer department.

Marios Antoniadis returns to the Apollon family in a different capacity, having previously worn our team’s jersey as a player.

After retiring from his playing career, he worked for the Cyprus Football Association as a coordinator for the youth national teams and head of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, and he also holds a UEFA A coaching license and a master’s degree in Data Analytics.

In his new role, he will be responsible for the process of identifying and evaluating players, as well as for staffing and developing the recruitment department, in close collaboration with the Sports Director and the scouting department.

To mark his return to the club, Marios Antoniadis gave his first interview to the official magazine “APOLLON LIMASSOL.” Below, we publish a short excerpt from the interview, in which he discusses his return to the club, the philosophy that will guide the new department’s operations, and his goals in his new role.

Marios Antoniadis: The facts show us where to look

Marios, welcome back to Apollon. How did this collaboration come about?

The collaboration came about after I spoke with the president and the technical director. There was an intention to create a structured scouting department, and because of my studies in data analytics, they felt I could help with this endeavor.

I know very well what Apollon means to me, since I played for the team as a soccer player, which is why my decision was an easy one.

What will your responsibilities be with the team?

Working alongside Valantis Kapartis, we’ll scout and evaluate players, recommending options to the technical director and the head coach.

Our goal is to create a structured process, utilizing both data and on-field evaluation.

How important is the use of data in modern soccer?

Data is a very important tool, but it doesn’t make decisions on its own. It shows us which direction to move in. This is followed by video analysis and a comprehensive evaluation of the player.

Essentially, you’re not searching the ocean but a lake.

What is your message to the Apollon fans?

The fans showed last year just how important they are to the team. I want them to continue supporting us in our efforts, because they are our 12th player.

For my part, I’ll give it my all to help the club achieve its goals.

The full interview with Marios Antoniadis will be published in the next issue of the official magazine “APOLLON LIMASSOL.”

We welcome Marios Antoniadis back to the Apollon family and wish him every success in his new role.

Apollon Limassol Press
Office.”