Chicago Fire FC today announced that head coach Frank Klopas has named Nikolaos Kostenoglou and Theodoros Antonopoulos as assistant coaches for the remainder of 2023.
With a combined 48 years of experience as players and coaches, Kostenoglou and Antonopoulos most recently were part of the Cyprus National Team. Together, they led Cyprus to a 1-0 win against Slovenia in the group stage of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
“The experience that Niko and Theo bring to this group is extremely beneficial as we focus on finishing the season in the best way possible,” said Chicago Fire FC Head Coach Frank Klopas. “More importantly, not only are they excellent coaches, but they are also excellent people who embody the values of the Club.”
Kostenoglou brings 17 years of experience as a coach at the youth, professional and international level, having started his coaching career with the AEK Athens U-20 squad in 2005. He quickly rose through the ranks and became assistant coach for the AEK Athens first team in July 2007. In February 2008, Kostenoglou became interim head coach of AEK Athens, guiding the team to the top of the league table in points. Following several stints as head coach in the Greek Super League, Kostenoglou led the Cyprus Men’s National Team from February 2021 until June 2022. Kostenoglou holds a UEFA Pro License.
As a player, Kostenoglou began his career at Skoka Xanthi in 1988 before transferring to AEK Athens, where he played with Klopas during the 2004 season. While at AEK Athens, Kostenoglou won four Greek Cups and one Super Cup before retiring from football in 2005 after 11 years with the club.
Antonopolous joins the Fire after serving as an Academy coach and assistant coach at Apollon Smyrnis FC for 11 years before joining Kostenoglou’s coaching staff as video analyst for the Cyprus National Team. The Athens native holds a UEFA “A” License, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Science from Athens University.
