Former Olympiacos and Bolton Wanderers footballer Stelios Giannakopoulos talks about the ups and downs of his career. He explains how he was ridiculed for choosing to leave Olympiacos for Bolton Wanderers, and how he wasn’t intimidated by the big names that he joined up with.

With Liverpool and Manchester City sniffing around for his services, Stelios had a meeting with the City manager, Stuart Pearce, and several absurd phone calls with Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez. He goes on to explain how ‘Big Sam’ locked him away in a room until he signed a new contract.

Further disclosing who was out of there depth when replacing Sam, and how he was released from his contract in an unusual manner.
He concludes with that emotional ‘David v Goliath’ moment, when Greece beat Portugal in the 2004 Euro Championship final.

Fore Four 2 Podcast is a podcast hosted by ex professional footballer John Mcginlay and Liam Harrison From GolfMates.

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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 START
7:08 PANILIAKOS
17:38 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
23:28 BOLTON WANDERERS
36:51 CRISTIANO RONALDO
47:35 BAYERN MUNICH
50:37 MANCHESTER CITY
52:02 LIVERPOOL
53:03 BIG SAM
1:03:43 HULL CITY
1:06:11 GREECE
1:11:40 EURO CHAMPIONS

27 Comments

  1. Stelios is a class act. Always speaks positively about people, clubs, etc. It's no surprise that people speak so highly of him, it's a mirror of his approach. A privilege.

  2. Great memories come flooding back watching and listening to this, loved the story with Big Sam, but what a sincere gent Stelios is. Stelios as manager anyone, perhaps one day eh.

  3. At that time I was a Man. City fan but was envious of the team at Bolton Wanderers. Stelios is a really focused man and he allowed this insight to a brilliant group of footballers. Brilliant to watch and reveals the behind the scenes truth of what it takes to make that TEAM. Thanks Guys,

  4. What a proper genuine guy with a good wisdom & outlook.
    He was a very skilful make things happen player too tbh.
    I agree he needs to be a youth coach at a decent club teaching the football & life skills.

  5. great viewing bolton legend, great player , great watch, Liam you need to polish up on your GREEK LOL

  6. Hes dead on about managing individuals as a team and seperately especially the 'big personalities'

  7. Hey guys, love the episode! Actually have a couple of questions that I'm really curious about regarding you guy's podcast, already sent a DM over on Instagram. Appreciate it if you guys could check it out when it's possible!

  8. The best interview so far, brilliant. You could see the pain in his face when discussing the letter telling him he was no longer wanted at Bolton. Disgraceful way to treat anyone.
    The guy showed his spirit and the kind of guy he is throughout his career.. well done guys.

  9. Stelio was class in a class team. And he learned the language when he came over here!
    Very humble in this interview but What a player!! 👍. 🇬🇷

  10. This is a man who wants honesty, give it to him and he will produce, dont beat around the bush, give him honest answers. he has great pride in himself and his country.

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