Olympiakos hires former Porto coach Pereira

ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Defending Greek champion Olympiakos has signed former Porto coach Vitor Pereira, in a bid to reverse a string of disappointing league results.

The 46-year-old Portuguese, who comes from Saudia Arabia's Al-Ahli, has signed a two-and-a-half year contract, Olympiakos officials said Thursday.

Pereira replaces Spaniard Michel Gonzalez, who was sacked Tuesday.

Olympiakos is one point behind PAOK in the Greek league, and is playing in the Europa League after being knocked out of the Champions League.

Team owner Vangelis Marinakis said at Pereira's official presentation Thursday that he expects to win the Greek championship "by every means."