Lemonis checks in at Panionios

By: Peter Katsiris | November 12th, 2008

Less than twenty-four hours after announcing the departure of Ewald Lienen, Panionios presented the German’s replacement through an official statement on the club’s official web site. The statement revealed former Olympiacos manager, Takis Lemonis, will be the next man in charge at Nea Smyrni.

The official statement read as follows:

“Panionios would like to announce the cooperation between the club and Mr. Takis Lemonis until the end of the current season as manager of Panionios FC. Mr. Lemonis’ first meeting with the players of Panionios FC will come on Thursday at 14:00 GR, at the Panionios Sports Center in Koropi.”

The statement also revealed a date for the press conference, which will see the presentation of the newest Super League manager:

“On Friday, Mr. Lemonis will presented to the Greek media by a press conference held at the press are of Nea Smyrni.”

The quick appointment of a new manager of Panionios, does not come as a surprise for a club boasting such talents as Fabian Estoyanoff and Alvaro Recoba. However, it could be a shock to the sides linked with Lemonis as their next manager. With several Super League sides not shy to show the axe, many clubs are without a manager – thanks to several sackings over the past two weeks. Lemonis, however, was heavily linked with the Asteras Tripolis job; but now it seems the Arcadian club will have to look elsewhere for their next managerial acquisition.

With Lemonis set to take over the reins of a side capable of causing havoc for Greece’s traditional trophy contenders, Panionios could start to rise from their tenth place ranking. Currently riding a two-game losing streak, in which the ‘Kyanerythri’ were defeated by Panathinaikos and PAOK, Panionios is just three point above the drop zone. An interesting schedule could allow the Nea Smyrni side improve on their poor stature, as Iraklis and Levedeiakos are their immediate opponents in the coming weeks. Lemonis’ first test as manager, however, will surely come in three weeks time against Greek Champions Olympiacos – a previous employer of the forty-eight year old.