Former right-hand man of President Pablo Longoria, Javier Ribalta bounced back this Wednesday. A year after his departure from Olympique de Marseille, the sports director joined AEK Athens in Greece. Perhaps the opportunity for the Marseille club to set up a new bridge.
Highly appreciated among supporters of Olympique de Marseille, particularly for his ability to defend the institution in the face of refereeing errors, Medhi Benatia made his predecessor forget. A certain Javier Ribalta held similar functions before the famous meeting with the supporters groups. Remember that this particularly tense interview had prompted the Spaniard to leave as quickly as possible. A year later, he is back in business in Greece.
AEK Athens announced his appointment as director of football this Wednesday. Javier Ribalta succeeds Panagiotis Kone who recently resigned. The club from the Greek capital will now be able to benefit from his skills acquired throughout a rich career in Europe. In addition to his time at Olympique de Marseille as president Pablo Longoria’s right-hand man, Javier Ribalta worked as a recruiter at Torino and AC Milan, before becoming head of recruitment at Juventus Turin.
OM and AEK Athens future allies?
Following his career in Italy, the manager also made a name for himself in England, and more precisely with Manchester United. Finally, Javier Ribalta shared his knowledge with Zénith Saint-Petersburg in Russia. A great asset for AEK Athens, reigning Greek vice-champion, and currently third in their championship after three days. Especially since this signing could facilitate a rapprochement with Olympique de Marseille, Javier Ribalta being close to Pablo Longoria. If future transfer rumors associate the two clubs, their relationship will probably be at the origin.
