Greek Super League club AEK Athens announced on Wednesday that Spanish coach Manuel Jimenez was leaving by mutual agreement just six months after guiding them to the Greek Cup trophy and while the club remained equal first in the Super League standings with three wins from four matches.
The 47-year-old former Sevilla coach joined AEK last season on a two-year contract and enjoyed success in April when AEK beat Atromitos Athens 3-0 in the Cup final. It was the first trophy AEK had won in nine years.
However, results this season have been poor especially in the Europa League where they have lost their opening two group games, beaten 4-1 away at Anderlecht and 2-1 at home by Austrian side Sturm Graz. Between those two matches came a 3-0 thrashing from PAOK, AEK’s only loss in the Super League this season but a defeat that angered many of the club’s loyal fans.
“Manuel Jimenez will forever be a part of the team’s history and associated with the team winning the Greek Cup last year after many years,” a club statement read. “AEK wishes him every success in his professional and personal endeavours.” Jimenez, a former Spanish international, said that he left with no hard feelings. “I have the best and deepest feelings for the team, the fans and the administration,” he said. “I will be part of AEK’s history and this is something that I will carry forever. I think it is time for a change for the benefit of all.”
The Spanish coach will be replaced at AEK by a former player, Nikos Kostenoglou, who coached the club in 2008 and before that was the team’s assistant coach (2007-2008) and coach of the youth club (2005-2007).