By Nikos Goulandris’s hand – NEWS

Nikos Goulandris was president of Olympiacos for a relatively short time (1971 – 1974), but managed to lead the club to win three championships and two Greek Cups, creating a team that has given major European victories and is being discussed to date.

Nikos Goulandris, a member of a large shipbuilding family, was born in Andros on September 6, 1913 and was involved in shipping. At the same time, with his wife Dallis, they offered a lot in the research of ancient and modern Greek culture. Their collection from antiquities, purchased from Greece and abroad, was the basis of the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Through the publications of the time, the historical archive of the newspapers « To VIMA » and « TA NEWS », Nikos Goulandris’ relationship with Olympiacos is evident. In 1968 he is referred to as the team’s fan, in 1969 and 1970 as « Honorary Leader » and « Honorary President », in early 1971 as General Chief and Vice -President, and since September 1971 as President.

Before, however, he took over the presidency of Olympiacos, he was always on the side of the team and its players, often paying as a private, financial bonus. At a time when the fees were not sufficient to secure the players, Goulandris helped them open their own businesses.

A striking example is Gregory (Krikor) agan who competed at Olympiacos from 1964 to 1971 and who in 1969 told the newspaper « GROUP »: « Today I am 26 years old and what I am interested in is playing for a few years at Olympiacos and then dedicating myself to work. (In the butcher). (…) The help that Mr. Goulandris once gave should take a place.  »

He created a group of stars, so complete that he had two equal eleven, at a time when the changes were made only for injury reasons

The premium to Panathinaikos

In the spring of 1971, Nikos Goulandris starred in one of the most unusual stories of Olympic -Panathinaikos relationships. A few days before the Panathinaikos -Everton double match with the aim of qualifying for the Champions League semifinals, Goulandris promised the Panathinaikos 150,000 drachma team, which he paid shortly after the Greens.

Indeed, according to the « VIMA » of March 12, 1971, except for this amount, Goulandris « also made the costs of staying in London on Wednesday and entertainment at the cosmic center (70,000 GRD) ».

On March 30, Goulandris was on the Avenue stadium for the Panathinaikos-Olympiacos derby (2-2). During the game, a portion of the hosts fans condemned Olympiacos’ administrative man, reaching the point of throwing objects towards him, accusing him of being aimed at acquiring their team. A few days later Panathinaikos returned to Goulandris 150,000 drachmas and he spent the amount in charity.

Present in decisions

In 1971 it is now clear that Goulandris is increasingly involved with the administrative decisions of Olympiacos. « The VIMA » of May 12, 1971, hosts Goulandris’ statements upon his arrival at Elliniko Airport, where, after a trip to the US, he was welcomed by members of the administration, football players and fans of Olympiacos.

« My excitement that I am again close to my favorite Olympic is not described. Everyone’s love has gone me. We will quickly make our big Olympian.  »

The end of the 1971 season finds the Olympic Greek Cup, but not a champion. Before taking over the presidency of Olympiacos, Goulandris has the first say in choosing a new coach and designing the new team with the aim of winning the championship. It has been four years since the last time Olympiacos (1966 – 1967) won the title.

The new coach takes over by the English Alan Asman. But the 1971 – 1972 season is not successful for Olympiacos, the championship is won by Panathinaikos and the Greek Cup by PAOK. Thus, in the summer of 1972 Asman was leaving and Lakis Petropoulos, who in 1971 had a brief crossing from the red -white bench, returns by signing a three -year contract.

Nikos Goulandris lifts the cup with Siokos in 1973

The ’70s superstar

Nikos Goulandris’ main concern was the purchase of football players capable of leading Olympiacos to the championships again. Kelesidis, Viera, Triantafyllos, Pampoulis, Kyrastas, Losanda were just some of the players who were acquired in the days of Nikos Goulandris. He created a group of stars, so complete that he had two equal eleven, at a time when the changes were made for injury only.

Almost all roster players were international and their name was associated with some Olympic records: 68 consecutive games without defeat in the league and cup, the 103 goals in the 1974 league, just 13 goals in the past, 1973-74.

In 2001 Panagiotis Kelesidis declares to « VIMA »:

« The president was the secret to our success. We were all playing for his laughter, because it was the alpha and the omega. (…) He conveyed this love to us and made us play for the jersey and the world.  » (…) He was the most important president for Olympiacos, because he took over in a difficult time and made him a long way.  »

For the next three seasons, Olympiacos is the absolute ruler in Greek football and Goulandris’ contribution is unquestionable.

The newspaper « GROUP » writes on October 15, 1974:

« Nikos Goulandris, who has a fleet of commercial and gazading ships, is a millionaire. But his love for football and Olympiacos has made him personally interested in his business and devoting almost all his hours to solving the problems of the team.

But with his precious time, he offers his nice millions! His offer has so far exceeded 50,000,000 drachmas. His slogan is: « Olympiacos is not afraid of anyone. » So, with all these trumps, it is not an exaggeration to be the first team of Greece.  »

Olympiacos’ coronation as a champion in June 1975 closed the Golden Three -year Goulandris in the best possible way

The withdrawal

It is precisely this blind dedication of Goulandris to Olympiacos was ultimately one of the causes of his sudden departure. His family had strong complaints and was constantly asking him to put an end to his involvement with Olympiacos’ administrators in order to devote himself to his business.

The drop that overflowed the glass in Nikos Goulandris ‘continued reflection was Olympiacos’ double clash with the Belgian Anderlecht in November 1974 for the European Championships.

In the first match in Brussels, Olympiacos’ performance was disappointing and lost 5-1. In the repetitive match, the Reds were called upon to carry out a football work: to win four goals, and even far from their stadium, as the punishment of the Olympics headquarters was not given to Karaiskakis Stadium but in Patras.

Olympiacos beat 3-0 and was eliminated. The Piraeus Protests strongly complained about many dietary decisions and a portion of his fans.

Goulandris’ frustration over the treatment his team had by the referees, but also for the aberrations that followed by Olympiacos fans, who were always opposed, coupled with the constant pressures of his family, led him to resign.

His decision was made known by a telegram from Switzerland where he was in the administration of Olympiacos in late December 1974. It was a decision that shocked not only the family of Olympiacos but also the whole of sports Greece. Olympiacos’ coronation as a champion in June 1975 closed the golden three -year -old Goulandris.

Nikos Goulandris died on August 6, 1983. The press remembered those days one of his most characteristic attacks on Olympiacos. « For the only thing I’m sorry is that when I die, I won’t be able to see my Olympian. »