Ketsbaia steps into Olympiacos hot seat

Greek double-winners Olympiacos CFP have appointed Temuri Ketsbaia as their new coach, the former Georgian international signing a three-year contract at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.

'Ambitious'
Ketsbaia, 41, resigned from his post at Anorthosis Famagusta FC in April after helping the club become the first from Cyprus to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage, defeating Olympiacos in the third qualifying round. Club president Sokratis Kokkalis said: "Mr Ketsbaia is a young and ambitious person who will achieve the club's objectives. He has the qualifications and we will support him with all the resources possible. He is someone that knows Greek football very well and in our view we should all give him the support he needs in order for him to achieve success."

Valverde departure
Ketsbaia replaces Ernesto Valverde, who failed to agree terms on a contract extension with the club despite guiding the Red and Whites to their 14th domestic double. "We wanted a person who will work very hard for Olympiacos and I believe we'll have that with him," Kokkalis added, his suspicions supported by Ketsbaia himself: "My aim is to help Olympiacos achieve all their goals: the league, the Greek Cup and to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage. I also want to improve Olympiacos's style of play, in order to satisfy our fans. I have always made it my job to improve."

Derbyshire talks
Meanwhile, Olympiacos are expected to hold further talks with Blackburn Rovers FC over the potential signing of Matt Derbyshire, who enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell in Greece at the end of last season. Derbyshire scored eight goals in 13 matches for Olympiacos, two of which came in the memorable Greek Cup final victory over AEK Athens FC on 2 May.