Chris Coleman emerges as shock manager contender for European heavyweights after stunning spell in Greece

CHRIS COLEMAN has emerged as a contender for the vacant Olympiakos job.

SunSport understands the Athens-based giants are keen to speak to Coleman, who has impressed in Greece with Atromitos.

Olympiakos are on the search for a new manager after Michel resigned last month with Jose Anigo placed as interim chief - their fourth boss of the season.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is also in charge of Nottingham Forest, has shown interest in ex-Wales boss Coleman because of his work over the last 17 months in the Greek Super League.

Former Fulham, Coventry and Sunderland manager Coleman took charge of strugglers Atromitos in January 2022 with the club second bottom of the 14-team league.

The 52-year-old, who led Wales to the Euro 2016 semi-finals, guided the club to safety in 12th spot in his first season.

Coleman then improved the fortunes of Atromitos this term as the club finished the regular season in eighth place, level on points with seventh-placed Panetolikos.

Atromitos remain eighth in the division ahead of the final round of play-off matches today (Sat) with Coleman's side travelling to Asteras Tripolis.

They will not want to lose Cookie, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Olympiakos, who have won the Greek title a record 47 times, are currently third in the table and set to miss out on Champions League football.

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Coleman took three years off before taking the Atromitos job in January 2022.

He was previously manager of now defunct Chinese Super League team Hebei FC.