Here are the remarks by Vangelis Marinakis, owner of Olympiacos FC:

“I’m happy to be here and to see all of you here at the start of the season for the Europa League and, of course, for the league. We’ve made several new signings and some significant changes, but everything we do is for the benefit of the club—our greatest love, which is the team, OLYMPIACOS.

Of course, we always appreciate the players, coaches, and staff members with whom we’ve worked and collaborated. We’ve celebrated great victories, great triumphs, and successes together over the past years. We consider all of them to be members of our family. The friendship and appreciation we’ve shared will last forever. This applies to Mr. Medilibar, to Mr. Kovacevic, with whom we’ve been working since I took over Olympiacos in 2010.

And, of course, for the past three years with Mr. Medilibar. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Imanol, our new head coach.

He’s one of the best coaches we could have brought to the team. He fits our mindset, our winning spirit, and he also has the experience. Ever since we took over Olympiacos 16 years ago, our relationship with the Basques has been extremely successful. As was the case with Valverde, with Mendilibar, and now with Imanol. It’s been exceptionally good, and I hope it continues for a long time. I wish him all the best.

The second person, who is also well-known and with whom we’ve worked in the past—and with whom, for some personal reasons, we had to take a break—is sporting director Antonio Cordon. He is a person with extensive experience, and we’ve had an excellent relationship over the past few years. We intend to make the most of his experience and character.

Another person with whom we’ve been working for over a month now is Jeffrey Moncada, who serves as head of recruitment for Olympiacos and our group. His resume and experience with teams like Milan and Monaco speak for themselves, given the players he has brought to those teams and the successes those players have enjoyed over the years.

What I want to tell you is that we’ve put together the best team we could possibly have, and I want everyone here to give more than 100% so that we can achieve what we set out to do.

First and foremost, the Championship, and to go all the way in the Europa League. I’m telling you this not to motivate you, but because I know you’re great players, with an excellent mindset and potential, and together you can work wonders.

And we will succeed. What I want and expect from everyone is for you to be committed, to give it your all in training, and I assure you that this team will be here to work together, to help one another, and to bring out the best in everyone.

I don’t want to say any more. I want to see hard work, dedication, results, and victories. Stay healthy and strong, and we’ll continue to achieve great things together as a family and as the exceptional team that we are. All the best to everyone.”

*photo source: KYPE