Ketsbaia axed by Olympiacos
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Article summary
Olympiacos FC have dismissed coach Temuri Ketsbaia on the eve of their UEFA Champions League Group H opener against AZ Alkmaar and replaced him with Božidar Bandović on a caretaker basis.
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Olympiacos FC have dismissed coach Temuri Ketsbaia on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group H opener against AZ Alkmaar.
Short stint
The club released a statement at midday local time on Tuesday saying: "Olympiacos have parted company with head coach Temuri Ketsbaia by mutual agreement. Božidar Bandović will take over as caretaker coach, with Andreas Niniadis as his assistant." Ketsbaia was only appointed in May after a successful stint at Anorthosis Famagusta FC, whom he led to victory over Olympiacos in UEFA Champions League qualifying last season.
Concerns
The 41-year-old former Georgian international had overseen five wins and a draw at the club, but despite the steady start to the season, supporters had shown unrest over the team's performances and there were concerns over Ketsbaia's rapport with the players. Bandović moves up from Olympiacos's scouting department along with Niniadis.