Mantzourakis accepts AEL role
Saturday, September 28, 2002
Article summary
Cypriot side AEL Limassol FC have named Yiannis Mantzourakis from Greece as their new coach.
Article body
Cypriot side AEL Limassol FC have named Yiannis Mantzourakis from Greece as their new coach following the resignation of Andreas Michaelides.
Greek experience
Born in Romania but a Greek citizen, Mantzourakis has previously coached a host of clubs in Greece, but is best remembered for guiding Olympiakos Piraeus FC to the league title in the 1998/99 season. He was later replaced by current Olympiakos coach Takis Lemonis.
'Nothing to fear'
Mantzourakis has previously coached in Cyprus, having led APOEL Nicosia FC to the championship in 1989/90, as well as a spell at Anorthosis Famagusta FC. The 54-year-old said of his new role: "I will be honest and say that, as we only have four points at this moment in time, we should not be thinking about the title. If all four units of the club - namely the board, players, technical staff and fans of AEL - stick together then we will have nothing to fear."
UEFA Cup defeat
A poor start to the season has left AEL in eleventh place, registering a solitary win in their first four matches. They were also knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the qualifying round by Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC.
