Jose Riveiro has officially made his return to the touchline, with Swedish giants AIK Stockholm confirming the Spaniard as their new head coach.
The former Orlando Pirates tactician has signed a two-year contract at the Friends Arena, a deal that ties him to the Allsvenskan side until December 2028.
Riveiro makes his return to European shores following a four-year spell coaching in the African continent. He had gone over five months without a club since his short-lived three months stint at Egyptian giants, Al Ahly.
The two-time Nedbank Cup winner was received with lauding expressions from the club’s head of recruitment, Miika Takkula.
Takkula regards Riveiro as a the perfect candite, praising him for his tactical acumen and player development expertise.
“We chose José as our new head coach following an extensive recruitment process. We sought a coach who would align with the playing style AIK strives for, as well as fit into the club’s deeper culture. José is an excellent match in both of these areas,” as translated from the official club statement.
“His understanding of modern football and its development, including player development, is of a very high standard. In addition, his personality and values fit well within the club environment. I look forward with great enthusiasm to working together with him and the team,” said Takkula.
REVEIRO EXPLAINS EUROPE RETURN
Riveiro’s appointment also marks a symbolic return to the continent where his coaching journey began. In 2021, he left Finish top tier side, FC Inter Turku to join Pirates.
Despite his forgetful stint at Ahly, Jose has enjoyed more success than failure in the African continent. He won five domestic trophies in just three seasons at Pirates, marking himself as one of the most successful gaffers in the club’s history.
He returns to Europe equipped with fresh lessons and refined skill gained from the brave decision he made when he crossed continents to test himself in African football.
Jose prepares for a fresh start with his new team who just concluded their season in November. He expressed his delight in joining a club that he defines as one with a ‘strong identity’
“I am very proud and happy to be part of a club that truly lives and breathes football. AIK is a club with a strong identity, high ambitions, and enormous passion around the team.”
“I am really looking forward to getting started, building relationships, and working closely with the players and my colleagues to develop the team every day and take the next step both individually and collectively,” says José Riveiro.
With the league kicking off in May, Riveiro is expected to utilise the coming months to instil his philosophy and help the team achieve a better run, having finished at seventh place in the previous season.
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