# Iraklis football club personnel changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iraklis-football-club-personnel-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-05T18:03:41.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 5.

Greek Super League side Iraklis has continued its squad overhaul under newly appointed Italian head coach Walter Mazzarri. The club’s owner, Panagiotis Monemvasios, officially introduced Mazzarri at a press event on 8 July 2026; the 64‑year‑old arrived in Thessaloniki on 9 July, was welcomed at Macedonia Airport and began training the squad on 13 July, with a press conference scheduled for 10 July to outline his tactical plan. Mazzarri emphasized humility, a “110 %” effort ethic and cited his past work at Livorno and Reggina.

In line with the new coach’s vision, Iraklis released Egyptian midfielder Amr Wardah on 13 July to free a non‑EU roster spot while scouting targets such as American centre‑back Amer Cortza and Italian forward Stefano Okaka during its pre‑season camp in Ptolemaida.

The club announced the signing of defender Praxitelis Vourous on 18 July; Vourous praised Mazzarri as a major motivator and highlighted the importance of hard work and humor. Captain Kristián Kosta later lauded the coach’s professionalism from the pre‑season camp in Italy.

Further adding to the rebuild, Spanish midfielder Ivi Lopex joined on 5 August, declaring his ambition to help Iraklis win the Greek Cup and repeatedly commending Mazzarri’s “immense knowledge.” These moves illustrate Iraklis’s ongoing restructuring, targeting a balanced roster, strong leadership and competitive ambition ahead of its Super League return after a nine‑year absence.

## Claims

- Kristián Kosta is the captain of Iraklis FC. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Iraklis FC is preparing for the new season with a pre‑season training camp in Italy. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Iraklis FC was promoted in the previous season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Walter Mazzarri is the new coach of Iraklis FC. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kosta praised Mazzarri’s professionalism and attention to detail. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kosta urged fans to support the team throughout the upcoming season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kosta scored a historic goal against Karditsa. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kosta said wearing the captain’s armband is an honour and a responsibility. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: Ivi Lopex joins Iraklis aiming to win Greek Cup

Spanish midfielder Ivi Lopex signs for Iraklis, vows to help win the Greek Cup and praises coach Walter Mazari.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ivi-lopex-joins-iraklis-aiming-to-win-greek-cup

### 2026-08-01: Iraklis captain Kristián Kosta praises coach Walter Mazzarri ahead of new season

Iraklis captain Kristián Kosta lauds coach Walter Mazzarri, recalls a historic goal, and urges fan support as the team prepares in Italy for the new Super League season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraklis-captain-kristin-kosta-praises-coach-walter-mazzarri-ahead-of-new-season

### 2026-07-18: Iraklis FC signs defender Praxitelis Vourous, hails Walter Mazzarri as major motivator

Praxitelis Vourous joins Iraklis FC, praises the club’s plan and welcomes coach Walter Mazzarri as a major motivator.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraklis-fc-signs-defender-praxitelis-vourous-hails-walter-mazzarri-as-major-motivator

### 2026-07-13: Iraklis drops Egyptian midfielder Amr Wardah from squad

Greek club Iraklis confirmed Egyptian midfielder Amr Wardah is out of the squad as new coach Walter Mazzari reshapes the roster, focusing on other signings.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iraklis-drops-egyptian-midfielder-amr-wardah-from-squad

### 2026-07-08: Walter Mazzari appointed head coach of Greek club Iraklis

Walter Mazzari, 64, becomes Iraklis' new head coach, arriving in Thessaloniki and promising a humble, 110% effort as he prepares for the upcoming season.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/walter-mazzari-appointed-head-coach-of-greek-club-iraklis

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Cite as: Iraklis football club personnel changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iraklis-football-club-personnel-changes