SPORTS

Santos explains departure from Greece bench

Greece coach Fernando Santos said on Friday that his decision to leave the team after the World Cup would not undermind his sides chances in Brazil.

“I see only a positive impact on my players. I know them well. They know that we will not continue together and I know they will give their best to the end. So we will not deviate from our target of advancing to the second round,» Santos said.

Santos said his decision not to renew his contract with the Greek soccer federation after the World Cup was to afford more time for himself.

He denied that he was seeking to join a club team following rumors in Athens that he would take up a coaching post with PAOK after the summer.

“I have not received any proposal from either a club or a national team. I will focus now on the final goal of the World Cup and to give joy to the Greeks,» he said.

“Whether I go to China, Portugal or my cottage, this I will decide after the World Cup.”

The 59-year-old Santos has coached Greece since 2010, when he replaced veteran German Otto Rehhagel, who led the team to a surprise triumph at Euro 2004.

The former Porto and AEK Athens boss has overseen just four defeats in his 41 matches at the helm, leading Greece to 12th in the FIFA rankings.

He guided Greece to the quarterfinals of Euro 2012 before taking the team to the World Cup finals in Brazil thanks to a play-off win against Romania in November.

[AFP]

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