Olympiacos are on the verge of finalising one of the most significant coaching appointments in recent water polo history.
According to reports from the Greek media, the reigning Greek champions have reached a full agreement with Croatian coach Elvis Fatović — a move that signals the club’s intent to re-establish itself among Europe’s elite.
The change comes after Olympiacos missed out on qualification for the Champions League Final Four for a second consecutive season. The club parted ways with Hrvoje Koljanin before the season’s conclusion, with Olympiacos legend Giorgos Droskas stepping in as interim head coach to lead the team to the domestic title. However, Droskas will not continue in the role due to family commitments in Chios, though both sides have left the door open for future collaboration.
Olympiacos acted swiftly and methodically to identify a long-term solution — and landed one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Elvis Fatović, 54, is widely considered among the world’s top coaches. A former player with Jug Dubrovnik and Mladost, he began his coaching career in 2005. He served as assistant coach with the Croatian national team before a successful stint as head coach of Jug (2008–2011). He then spent eight years as head coach of the Australian national team (2013–2021), elevating the “Aussie Sharks” on the global stage.
Since 2021, he has been in charge of Spanish powerhouse Barceloneta, guiding them to three consecutive domestic league and cup doubles and consistently reaching the final stages of the Champions League.
Fatović’s final match with CNAB came on Friday night in Malta, where Barceloneta were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion in the Champions League semi-finals, losing on penalties to Novi Beograd after a 10:10 draw in regulation time. The Croatian tactician now closes his chapter in Spain and prepares for a new challenge in Greece.
Olympiacos, who won the Champions League in 2018 under Thodoris Vlachos, are making a significant financial commitment to secure Fatović’s services. Reports suggest he will earn nearly double his salary at Barceloneta — a clear statement of intent from a club determined to return to the top of European water polo.
Fatović will inherit a competitive squad in Piraeus, but expectations will be sky-high. The move is likely to trigger further changes within the roster, as Olympiacos aim to build a team capable of not only dominating the Greek domestic scene but challenging for continental honours once again.
According to sources in Spain, Albert Español is set to take over as head coach of Zodiac CN Atlètic-Barceloneta following Fatović’s departure. A former Spanish international and a club legend in his own right, Español enjoyed a decorated playing career with CNAB and brings both tactical acumen and deep familiarity with the club’s culture.
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