By George Georgakopoulos

Greece manager Fernando Santos hinted on June 14 he might end his coaching career once the national team takes part in the Euro 2012 finals.

Speaking in Portugal during an event in his honor, the 56-year-old coach, who has been plying his trade since 1987, stated that he is considering giving up coaching after the conclusion of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine, presuming that Greece will make the finals.

"I do not know whether it is possible for me to return to a club bench. The experience is totally different and bears no relation to being an international manager. This may actually be my first step toward giving up coaching,» Santos stated.

Before taking over at the national team, Santos worked in Greece for AEK, PAOK and Panathinaikos, and in Portugal for all the big-three clubs (Porto, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon), as well as Estoril and Estrela Amadora.

He remains undefeated on the Greek bench since taking over last summer from Otto Rehhagel.

Meanwhile Santos may have the chance to select Olympiakos left-back Jose Holebas for his squads in the future, as the German player of Greek descent intends to apply for Greek nationality so that he can play for the national team.

Greece has always had problems at left-back, a position currently covered either by full-back Nikos Spyropoulos or by right-footed defenders Vassilis Torosidis and Loukas Vyntra.