Olympiacos faces internal crisis following loss to AEK

Olympiacos is undergoing a significant sporting crisis after a 1-0 defeat to AEK Athens in the opening round of the Stoiximan Super League playoffs on April 6, 2026. This result leaves the team five points behind the league leaders, causing frustration among fans who jeered players at the Karaiskakis Stadium. Manager Jose Luis Mendilibar, who has been in charge for approximately 2.5 years, is facing scrutiny for the first time due to a series of poor performances and offensive dysfunction. Following the match, Mendilibar reportedly held the players in the dressing room for 30 minutes to address the team's lack of intensity and cohesion. The club's management is currently evaluating all personnel, with reports suggesting Ernesto Valverde remains a potential candidate for the future, though no immediate coaching changes have been confirmed. The team's next challenge is an away match against Panathinaikos scheduled for April 19. Statistically, Olympiacos has struggled in home derbies this year, recording three losses and one draw in four matches without scoring.