Sanchez replaces Silva as Olympiacos coach

Piraeus - Greek champion Olympiacos announced Thursday the resignation of Portuguese coach Marco Silva and the immediate appointment of Spaniard Victor Sanchez.

"Olympiacos announces to its fans that coach Marco Silva has given in his resignation for personal reasons. His resignation has been accepted by the club," the statement from the Piraeus team said.

"Olympiacos announce the start of cooperation with Spanish coach Victor Sanchez."

No details were revealed by the club as to the reasons for the unexpected decision, and Silva had travelled this week to Austria where the team is currently training.

Silva, 38, led the club in his one-year stint to a record 43rd title last season and 17 straight wins.

The club won the Greek league with six matches remaining, garnering 85 points, 30 more than second-placed arch rival Panathinaikos.

He also guided Champions League-bound Olympiacos to the Greek Cup final, only to suffer a surprising 2-1 defeat to AEK.

Silva joined Olympiacos from Sporting Lisbon, who he coached from 2014-2015 after a stint at Estoril.

Sanchez, 40, coached Deportivo La Coruna last season and from 2013-2014 was assistant to Michel at Olympiacos.

He was also assistant coach at Sevilla (2012-2013) and Getafe (2010-2011).