Coach Rehhagel will stay on says Greek FA chief

By Karolos Grohmann

SALZBURG (Reuters) - Greece coach Otto Rehhagel will stay on until 2010 despite the team's disappointing performances at Euro 2008, Greek Football Association chief Vassilis Gagatsis told reporters.

Euro 2004 winners Greece crashed out of the tournament even before the final game against Spain on Wednesday, after losing both their Group D matches against Sweden and Russia.

But Gagatsis said Rehhagel, who took over in 2001, would see out his contract, recently extended until 2010.

"We just signed a new contract and we will continue together until 2010," Gagatsis said late on Monday. "It is easy to change a coach but trust and continued support is what has kept this team together."

Rehhagel has been under mounting criticism in Greece for what were seen as mediocre and defensive tactics that failed to earn the team a single point in the group so far. Greece have also yet to score a goal in the tournament.

"He (Rehhagel) is the architect of Greek sports' biggest success," Gagatsis said referring to their victory in 2004.

"In Greece we have the tendency to flatten everything if it doesn't work. But look at World Cup winners Italy and finalists France who are also close to the exit. They have not started such a discussion."

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