Jacob Neestrup presented as Panathinaikos coach, declares club 'will be champions soon'

Official presentation

Jacob Neestrup, the 39-year-old Danish coach, was unveiled as Panathinaikos's new head coach on Sunday afternoon (21 June 2026) at the 'G. Kalafatis' training centre in Koropi. The event was led by club owner Giannis Alafouzos and technical director Stefanos Kotsolis. Alafouzos said the club had evaluated three or four candidates before Neestrup's CV stood out. Kotsolis added that the club sought a young, ambitious coach with a winning mentality, championship experience, and a track record of player development, qualities they believe Neestrup possesses.

“We spoke with three to four coaches, but his résumé stood out. We are especially happy that he is with us and we wish him every success.”

Neestrup's vision

The new manager said discussions with the club's leadership, including sporting director Mr. Baldini, vice-president, and the president, made him increasingly curious about the project. He described Panathinaikos as a huge club with great history and strong foundations, and insisted the club has the platform to aim high.

“I see myself as the best coach Panathinaikos could have. It's a massive club, we share the same dreams, and they are achievable. Let's have an open mind to embrace all the ambitions the club needs for the future.”

He added that his goal is to build a winning team as quickly as possible and make the fans proud.

Pressure as fuel

Asked about the intense pressure that surrounds Panathinaikos, Neestrup said it was a recurring theme in his first conversations. He stressed that pressure is positive and that he had already experienced extreme scrutiny at his previous club, which he called 'the biggest in Scandinavia'.

“You are not the first to talk to me about pressure. Everyone says that. Pressure is positive. I know very well I will face huge pressure. But pressure is important. I come from the biggest club in Scandinavia, where the pressure was enormous, and I liked it.”

Championship ambition

Neestrup was explicit about his target: returning Panathinaikos to the top of Greek football. He said he would not have taken the job if he did not believe the club could win the league soon. The Dane revealed the team will line up with a back four, though the exact formation is still to be decided, and promised a philosophy of hard work, intensity, and togetherness. He confirmed that he was kept fully informed about ongoing changes to the squad before signing his contract.

“We were looking for a young, ambitious coach with a winner's mentality, championship experience, European distinction, and the ability to develop players. We believe Jacob Neestrup has all those attributes.”