Spanish hug in Conference League final: Valverde visits Mendilibar

Jose Luis Mendilibar is playing for the chance to win his second continental trophy after the Europa League title he lifted with Sevilla in May 2023. Olympiakos, who he joined in February, are facing Fiorentina in the Conference League final in Athens on Wednesday.
In the run-up to kick-off, they received a totally unexpected visitor. Coach Ernesto Valverde travelled to the capital to support him, a gesture that surprised his compatriot on the stadium pitch.
'Relevo' published the video in which the current Athletic coach was seen to embrace Mendilibar with a look of disbelief on his face. The two repeated the affectionate gesture with effusiveness and a few more signs of affection before Valverde greeted some members of the coaching staff.
Valverde coached Olympiakos in the 2008/09 campaign and between 2010 and 2012. The fans hold him in high esteem and did not hesitate to show it by applauding and chanting when they noticed his presence on the pitch.