Ivan Jovanovic Takes the Helm of Greece's Men's Soccer Team

Ivan Jovanovic, a seasoned coach, has been appointed head coach of Greece's men’s soccer team. He replaces Gus Poyet and aims to revitalize the team's performance. Assisted by former national stars, Jovanovic looks to bring Greece back to major tournaments, emphasizing the team's potential and historical pride.

Greece has appointed veteran coach Ivan Jovanovic as the new head coach of its men's soccer team, which has struggled to qualify for major tournaments over the past decade.

The 62-year-old Serbian takes over from Uruguayan coach Gus Poyet, who narrowly missed securing Greece's spot in this year's European Championship after losing to Georgia on penalties in the qualifier playoffs.

"Being appointed coach of the Greek national team is a special honor for me. I will certainly try to live up to the expectations of the fans," Jovanovic stated at a news conference on Friday.

Former national team stars Dimitris Salpingidis, Vasilis Torosidis, and Dimitris Papadopoulos have been appointed as Jovanovic's assistants under a two-year contract, according to the Greek soccer federation.

"It has been quite some time – since 2014 – since Greece last participated in a major football tournament," Jovanovic noted.

"In recent years, particularly since my return to Greek football over the past three years, the level of football has notably improved."

Jovanovic, who spent most of his playing career with the northern Greek club Iraklis, has coached teams in Greece, Cyprus, and the United Arab Emirates, including a stint as UAE national team coach. He returned to Greece in 2021 and was head coach of Panathinaikos until December last year. Greece's next challenge is a Nations League match against Finland at home next month, with England and Ireland also in their group.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Greece's stunning European Championship victory in Portugal. The team last played in a major tournament at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, reaching the knockout stage.

"There was a very important period from 2004 to 2014 when the Greek team represented quality in major tournaments," Jovanovic said. "I believe it is time for this generation of players, who currently make up the national team, to do everything possible to bring back that pride."

(With inputs from agencies.)