Pavlos Dermitzakis
A passionate football man who translated a solid playing career into a managerial identity built on defensive grit and galvanizing underdog teams.
Born 1969 (age 57)·Greek manager and former football player·Birthday: June 29·Generation X
Biography
Pavlos Dermitzakis embodies the journey from the pitch to the touchline, a football lifer whose understanding of the game was forged through decades of direct involvement. As a player, he was a dependable defender, spending the bulk of his career with OFI Crete, where he became a fan favorite known for his commitment and tactical awareness. That same club would become the canvas for his managerial identity. Taking the helm at OFI multiple times, often during periods of financial or sporting crisis, 'Pavlos' (as he is universally known in Greece) became synonymous with resilience. His teams are typically organized, difficult to break down, and play with a collective spirit that often exceeds the sum of their parts. While not a collector of major trophies, his career is a testament to the profound impact a manager can have by instilling belief and identity in a club.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Pavlos was born in 1969, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Pavlos Was Born
The biggest hits of 1969
#1 Movie
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Best Picture
Midnight Cowboy
#1 TV Show
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
Pavlos's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1969Born
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1974Started school
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1982Became a teenager
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1985Could drive
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1987Could vote
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1990Turned 21
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1999Turned 30
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2009Turned 40
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 50
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 57 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Served as the long-term captain of OFI Crete during his playing career, making over 150 appearances for the club.
- Successfully managed OFI Crete in the Greek Superleague on multiple separate occasions, often stabilizing the team in difficult circumstances.
- Led OFI to a memorable run in the 2020-21 Greek Cup, defeating larger clubs and reaching the semi-finals.
- Earned a reputation for extracting maximum effort and organization from his squads, particularly in defensive structure.
Did You Know?
He holds a UEFA Pro coaching license, the highest qualification available for football managers.
His entire senior playing career was spent in Crete, playing for OFI and Ergotelis.
He is often referred to simply by his first name, 'Pavlos,' in Greek football media and by fans.
“A defender's first job is to read the game before the ball arrives.”
