Markarian departs from Iraklis
Monday, December 20, 2004
Article summary
Sergio Markarian has stepped down as coach of Iraklis FC, saying the Greek Alpha Ethniki side face a "grim future".
Article body
Final game
The Uruguayan, who was formerly in charge of Panathinaikos FC before leaving in May 2003, handed in his resignation last week but officials of the club, who lie in eleventh place in the Greek Alpha Ethniki, refused to accept it. However, before yesterday's 1-1 home draw with Xanthi FC, Markarian declared that it would be his final game.
Grim future
"The main reason that I'm leaving is because things are not how I expected them to be," he said. "Every day that goes by, the administration gets weaker and the future grimmer for Iraklis. I wanted to set up a team that would go for the championship, but that is not the case.
Fans plea
"I thought about staying after the fans and the players asked me to change my decision, but there were other things happening that kept telling me 'leave as soon as you can'." No announcement has been made as to who will take over.
