Coach Rehhagel staying say Greece
ATHENS, Greece -- Coach Otto Rehhagel will honor his contract with European champions Greece through to the 2006 World Cup, federation chief Vassilis Gagatsis said on Wednesday.
Rehhagel was a top candidate to be offered the job of coaching his home nation Germany, following the departure of Rudi Voeller after the European finals.
Gagatsis said it was "absolutely normal" if the DFB wanted him but insisted: "Rehhagel will stay with the Greek Football Federation (EPO) until 2006."
But he confirmed that the 65-year-old Rehhagel, who was hired by Greece in 2001, had decided against extending his current deal until 2008.
"On the flight back from Portugal I offered him to extend the contract until 2008 and he told me that he didn't want to be transported into the football ground on a wheelchair," he said.
"We honored our contract with him and he honored his contract with us. Rehhagel had other offers from abroad, and very good ones, at a time when everybody in Greece asked for his head," Gagatsis said.
The German had been the brunt of criticism after Greece started the European qualifiers with two defeats against Spain and the Ukraine.
Gagatsis said that they were unconcerned by reports linking Rehhagel with the vacant post as Germany coach.
"It's absolutely normal if the DFB (German Football Federation) want him... and it is an honor for us and our choice (to hire him)," he said.
"He is one of us, he believed in the Greeks," Gagatsis said.
"Words are too poor to express our feelings for the effort he has put in to this great achievement".
Greece soar
European champions Greece have soared 21 places to their highest position of 14th in FIFA's latest rankings announced on Wednesday.
Brazil still hold top spot as the Copa America begins, ahead of second-placed former holders France, beaten 1-0 by Greece in the Euro 2004 quarterfinals.
Czech Republic rose seven places to fourth after their semifinal finish in Portugal.
Greece beat hosts Portugal 1-0 in Sunday's European championship final.
Portugal have risen 10 places to equal 12th with Germany who fell four places after being knocked out in the Euro 2004 first round.
Spain remain in third despite being knocked out in the group stage in Portugal.
Germany could well fall further because of the lack of competitive fixtures in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup which they host.
