ATHENS, Greece – Panathinaikos have terminated the contract of head coach Fatih Terim after a series of disappointing results, culminating in a heavy defeat by PAOK in the Super League playoffs on Wednesday. This marks the third consecutive loss for the team, prompting the club to take swift action.
The decision was finalized late Thursday, with Panathinaikos moving quickly to appoint Christos Kontis as Terim’s immediate replacement. Kontis will take charge ahead of the crucial derby against Olympiakos on Sunday, which will determine third place in the league, as well as the upcoming Greek Cup final against Aris.
The shake-up within the club was set in motion on Thursday morning, as internal discussions highlighted growing concerns over Terim’s ability to reverse the team’s fortunes. Club owner and president Giannis Alafouzos decided that a change was necessary. “The team’s recent performance made it clear that a new direction was needed,” an insider stated.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, who had previously revealed Terim’s appointment on December 26, reported early Thursday that a meeting between Alafouzos and Terim was imminent, suggesting that a parting of ways was near. Sabuncuoglu posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The president of Panathinaikos, Giannis Alafouzos will meet with Fatih Terim and the divorce is very close.”
This prediction was confirmed later in the day as the club officially announced Terim’s departure. The 71-year-old coach had been with Panathinaikos since December 27, amassing a record of 14 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses in the league and the Greek Cup. Despite these mixed results, Terim led the team to the final of the Greek Cup.
Christos Kontis, who served as an assistant under Terim’s predecessor Ivan Jovanovic, has now been entrusted with steering the team through the remaining critical matches of the season. Kontis brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the squad, having been a part of the coaching staff in the previous regime.
Panathinaikos fans are hopeful that this managerial change will inject new energy into the team as they face a pivotal period. The upcoming derby against Olympiakos and the Greek Cup final are significant opportunities for the club to end the season on a high note, despite the recent setbacks.
As the team prepares for these crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Kontis and his ability to galvanize the squad. The club’s management and supporters alike will be keen to see a positive turnaround under the new leadership.
