Minas Pitsos

Minas Pitsos (, born 18 October 1980) is a Greek professional football manager and former footballer, who played as a left-back. He spent the majority of his career representing clubs of his hometown Heraklion across various levels of the Greek football league system, with a short spell in Athens-based Greek giants Panathinaikos. He currently holds the position of technical director at OFI's U19 squad.

Career

OFI Pitsos began his football career in the youth teams of his local side OFI and signed his first professional contract with the club in 1998, aged 18 years old. He made his official debut on 9 November 2000, playing in the 2nd leg of the 2000–01 UEFA Cup Second Round vs. Slavia Prague. His domestic league debut came four days later, during a 2000–01 Alpha Ethniki match vs. Skoda Xanthi.

Panathinaikos In January 2002, Pitsos was transferred to Panathinaikos, after impressing with his performance during a league match vs. Egaleo held in Panathinaikos' home ground, Leoforos Alexandras Stadium. Pitsos, who had made a total of just 6 appearances during the 2002–03 season, decided to terminate his contract with Panathinaikos and return to OFI to get more playing time. Pitsos was instrumental in Ergotelis' eventual promotion to the Super League, making 32 appearances and scoring two goals, thus earning a contract renewal deal by the club. He stayed at the club for an additional 3 years, following Ergotelis back to the Football League after the club was relegated at the end of the 2014–15 season and was one of just 17 players to remain part of the club's roster as Ergotelis' financial issues finally forced the club to withdraw from professional competitions in January 2016. As a result, Pitsos, along with the rest of the club roster, were released from their contracts.

Return to OFI Aged nearly 36, Pitsos, who had previously expressed his wish to end his career with OFI, signed with his former club, now playing in the Greek 3rd Division, on 29 January 2016. After winning the division title, Pitsos announced his retirement on 6 July 2016. He was immediately offered, and currently holds the position of technical director at OFI's U-19 squad.

Career statistics