Common consent cans Aris’ Hernandez

By: Peter Katsiris | January 22nd, 2009

He end has come for Aris’ now former manager Enrique Hernandez, who was relieved of his duties by common consent on Wednesday. Taking over for Dusan Bajevic at the start of the season, the Spaniard was released from the managerial role after Aris’ recent performance – including a 4-0 thumping against Panathinaikos – saw the Thessaloniki slowly lose their grip on a playoff spot.

Speaking to the media after the Spaniard was handed his walking papers, the tone of the 50-year-old’s conference allowed for the assumption he had been released through common consent. “I believe that this may be a change for the better. I believe in this team, they are remarkable footballers and I am sure that the future is theirs,” declared Hernandez.

This isn’t the first time he has been let go as coach of ‘O Theos tou Polemou’, this first release came at the end of the 2006/2007 season after the club decided against renewing his contract. He returned to the club this season, and replaced the legendary Serbian manager Bajevic – who ironically left the club before Hernandez hired.

Though there was room for bitter words, Hernandez still remained loyal to his prior employers; also mentioning he will remain a fan of Aris FC. “We are still within our targets and we need the biggest possible concentration and calmness,” he claimed.

The Thessaloniki club was not without a replacement for long, as the club also revealed their new bench boss, Iomar do Nascimento Mazinho. Simply known as Mazinho, the Brazilian takes over at the Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium for his first stint as a manager.

Formerly employed as an Aris trainer, the player-turned-manager will be assisted by Brazilian-born Spain international Donato Gama da Silva. The former Deportivo La Coruna player joins his compatriot on the Aris touchlines as part of a contract spanning until the end of the current season.