Doll and Idiakez sacked
Thomas Doll and Imanol Idiakez were sacked from APOEL and AEK Larnaca, respectively, after this past weekend’s action in the Cypriot First Division.
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Thomas Doll coached APOEL for four months and one day. The best moment for him with the club came on the European stage leading APOEL to the UEFA Europa League group stages as well as to the knockout stages of the competition. However, the team’s unconvincing performances in the league (despite winning fixtures ) and in some European matches ultimately ended his short stint in Nicosia. Overall in 17 games, Doll recorded eight wins, five draws, and four defeats in all competitions.
Doll’s unique character was also a matter of discussion and criticism from the fans and the press. Many times he gave the idea that he was out of touch with the Cypriot “reality.” When the administration tried to add the club’s legend and former Doxa coach Loukas Hadjiloukas to the coaching team, in an effort to strengthen the staff, Doll refused.
Now, Hadjiloukas will take over as interim coach until a new permanent manager is appointed. The Cypriot coach’s experience in the league and his familiarity with the team, gives more time to the administration to find a new tenant for APOEL’s “electric coaching chair.”
Imanol Idiakez also lost his job in Larnaka with AEK, resulting in an early end to his second spell at the club. Idiakez returned to AEK last January to take over from Antoni Iraola and managed to change the tide securing a ticket to European competitions. AEK’s technical director, Ander Murillo, was also fired after serving a year and a half in the position, despite having played for the Larnakeis for seven years.
The Basque coach led AEK in 18 games this season, with seven wins, seven draws, and four defeats in all competitions. Similar to Doll’s case, the administration was not satisfied with the general performance of the team as well as the poor results in the league. Former Cypriot international PAOK and AEK legend Ilias Charalambous will take the interim coaching position as long as it is needed.
