Anigo departs Panionios, Mantzios set to become new boss

Following the 2:4 defeat at AE Larissa on Saturday, Panionios parted ways with head coach Jose Anigo, with Akis Mantzios set to replace the Frenchman at the helm.

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After a poor start to the campaign, Panionios have gradually improved, rising to eighth place of the Super League with 17 points and qualifying for the Last 16 of the Greek Cup. Before losing to AEL on the road on Saturday, the Nea Smyrni had earned three consecutive Super League wins against Panetolikos (3:0), Xanthi (1:0) and PAS Lamia 1964 (1:0), however that didn’t prevent the board from firing 57-year old manager Jose Anigo. Panionios broke the news with this statement on their official website:

“Panionios GSS FC announces the end of the agreement with coach Jose Anigo. Panionios GSS FC thanks him for his efforts with our team and wishes him luck for the rest of his career.”

Anigo only joined Panionios in the summer, and in his 14 matches in all competitions, the Frenchman recorded seven victories, two draws and five defeats.

According to reports appearing in the Greek media, Akis Mantzios has spoken to Panionios owner Nikos Zamanis, and he is set to pen a contract to become the new first team boss until the end of the campaign. Mantzios was the coach of Levadiakos when the 2018/2019 season began, but after a run of disappointing results, he left the Livadeia club on October 22.

49-year old Mantzios previously managed Panionios on a permanent basis between November 2011 and April 2012. Panionios are yet to confirm his appointment.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sport-fm.gr

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