Cyriel Dessers jinx? Panathinaikos coach gets fired after Super Eagles star’s debut

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers is set to get a new coach at Panathinaikos, as the club has announced the sacking of coach Rui Vitoria, Soccernet.ng reports.

Dessers completed his permanent transfer to Greek Super League club Panathinaikos on transfer deadline day, and he made his debut on Sunday, in their league game at Kifisia.

Unfortunately for him, his debut did not go well, as his side suffered a 3-2 loss, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal.

Λήξη αγώνα στο Πανθεσσαλικό. #Panathinaikos #PAOFC #KIFPAO #StoiximanSuperLeague #slgr #GB32 pic.twitter.com/Q26P85t0v6

— Panathinaikos F.C. (@paofc_) September 14, 2025

The defeat was just Panathinaikos' first loss of the season, after drawing their opening game of the campaign at home to Levadiakos last week.

But surprisingly, the club made a surprising decision to part ways with Vitoria, as announced via their social media page.

The Super League club appointed Vitoria as coach last year, and before his sack, he had a record of 24 wins, 10 draws, and 10 losses.

It was a surprise decision, and although Dessers was not the reason for the Portuguese tactician's sack, it would seem that the Super Eagles star brought a bit of bad luck to him.

Cyriel Dessers To Get New Coach At Panathinaikos Soon

Following Rui Vitoria's sack, Panathinaikos will now look to appoint a new coach as soon as possible.

Asides from pushing for the league, they are also involved in the UEFA Europa League, which begins next week.

Cyriel Dessers will have to work hard to impress the new coach so he can get regular playing time this season.