Lienen lined up as new Anorthosis coach

Deposed Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famagusta FC have unveiled Ewald Lienen as their new coach following the departure of Georgian Temuri Ketsbaia just over two weeks ago.

'Personal matters'
On Tuesday night, an official statement confirmed that German coach Lienen had been handed a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. The club said: "The agreement is expected to be completed early next week due to some personal matters which Mr Lienen needs to attend to in Germany." The 55-year-old trainer has managed a host of teams including MSV Duisburg, FC Hansa Rostock, 1. FC Köln, CD Tenerife, VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hannover 96, while last year he coached Greek side Panionios GSS.

Domestic disappointment
Anorthosis made history this season when they progressed through three qualifying rounds – eliminating SK Rapid Wien and Olympiacos CFP on the way – to become the first ever Cypriot club to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage, but their impressive run in Europe did not help their domestic form. They lie third in the Cypriot standings, 13 points adrift of recently crowned champions APOEL FC, having failed to beat any of their title rivals all season. They also suffered an early Cypriot Cup exit to Apollon Limassol FC and supporters' disappointment was capped off with the departure of Ketsbaia, who resigned citing "disagreements with the board". Anorthosis will play in the qualifying rounds of the inaugural UEFA Europa League next season.