Valverde to leave Olympiacos

Olympiacos, Greece – Ernesto Valverde will leave Olympiacos at the end of the season, ending his latest stint in charge of the Greek club.

The 48-year-old Valverde coached Olympiacos from 2008-09, and returned to the club in 2010 after a stint with Villarreal in his native Spain.

Although Valverde led Olympiacos to the Greek Super League title and a spot in next season's Champions League, the once-capped Spanish international intended prior to the season to step down.

"It's a tough day for me. A year ago, when I extended my contract, I told the president (Vangelis Marinakis) that it most likely would be my last season," Valverde said.

Valverde led Olympiacos to league and cup titles in his first season in charge in 2008, and returned to the Greek club to capture two more league titles. The club will play Atromitos in its final league match April 22, and then the same two clubs meet again the Greek Cup final a week later.

"The main reason is purely personal. Plus, I have already led the team through three very demanding seasons," Valverde said. "That has proved tiring."

Olympiacos hopes to have a replacement hired by early June.