Claudio Ranieri Fired as Greece Manager: Latest Details, Reaction and Analysis
Claudio Ranieri has been sacked from his post as manager of the Greece national team. It's the second dismissal this year for Ranieri, who was relieved of his duties by Ligue 1 side AS Monaco back in May.
Continue for updates.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Greece Interim Manager Revealed
"The Hellenic Football Federation announces that the role of interim coach for the friendly match with Serbia will be (carried out by) Kostas Tsanas and Nektarios Pantazis," the Greek FA announced, courtesy of BBC.com.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Claudio Ranieri Out as Greece's Manager
Sky Sports reporter Pete O'Rourke confirmed the Greek FA's decision to show Ranieri the door:
That result was apparently the tipping point for Hellenic Football Federation chief Giorgos Sarris, per Mail Online writer Sean Gallagher:
"Following today's devastating result for the national team, I take full responsibility for the most unfortunate choice of coach, which has resulted in such a poor image of the national team being put before the fans.
The governing board will convene and take responsibility among all the members to make the necessary changes needed to avoid a repeat of such an embarrassing night.
"
Those strong words are not unreasonable from a governing body whose national team has a reputation for at least being competitive on the international stage.
Greece have not always won plaudits for their defensive game, but it did win the nation the 2004 UEFA European Championship. The country has never hit those heights since but has remained a tough nut to crack in tournament play.
Ranieri, the one-time Chelsea boss, is still a popular figure within the game. However, results have simply not been good enough on his watch, as Sky Sports noted:
"The 2004 champions are bottom of the table with just a single point from four matches and appear unlikely to reach the 2016 finals in France.
However, Ranieri will remain in charge until after Tuesday’s friendly international against Serbia.
"
Perhaps this is an opportunity for the Hellenic Football Federation to appoint a more attack-minded coach to overhaul a trusted but rather stale style of play. There is no word yet on who Ranieri's successor will be.
