´It is an honour´ – Mendilibar revels in Olympiacos´ historic Europa Conference League triumph

Jose Luis Mendilibar rejoiced “it is an honour to have made the fans happy” after leading Olympiacos to their historic Europa Conference League final triumph over Fiorentina.

Thrylos became the first Greek side to win a major European competition, as Ayoub El Kaabi’s extra-time winner snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory at AEK Arena.

It provided a happy ending to an eventful season for Olympiacos, with Mendilibar their third different manager of the campaign having replaced Carlos Carvahal in February.

Following his Europa League success with Sevilla 12 months ago, the Spaniard became the first coach since Rafael Benitez (2003-04 UEFA Cup with Valencia; 2004-05 Champions League with Liverpool) to win major European competitions in consecutive seasons with different clubs.

Good morning UEFA Europa Conference League Winners!pic.twitter.com/ox2SZzSWOl

— Olympiacos FC (@olympiacosfc) May 30, 2024

“I am very happy and satisfied, and it is an honour to have made the fans happy,” Mendilibar said.

“I am very happy that we achieved something that the club had not achieved before. We will celebrate, we will cheer, and then we will get back to work for what comes next.”

Olympiacos winger Giorgos Masouras added: “I have no words. It has not yet sunk in. We did it together. I was certain we would win it, and we held on and got it in the end.

“We are now part of Europe’s elite and have more responsibilities. We have to maintain this level now.”

“[It is] amazing, for Olympiakos and me,” Stevan Jovetic continued. “[I am] really proud of my guys. We did great all year and deserved it.

“I have to compliment Fiorentina, two years in a row [reaching the final]. [It is] a shame for them. [The party] will be amazing. I can’t wait.”