Dermitzakis vacates PAOK post

PAOK FC have parted company with coach Pavlos Dermitzakis following their 1-0 defeat by Panathinaikos FC on Saturday – a third consecutive league reverse that left them third-bottom in the Greek Super League.

A club statement read: "PAOK announce that they have parted company by mutual consent with Pavlos Dermitzakis. We would like to thank him for his contribution in qualifying for the Europa League group stage and wish him all the best in his future career." Dermitzakis had taken over from Mario Beretta in July and qualified for the UEFA Europa League group stage by overcoming Fenerbahçe SK, following the Salonika side's UEFA Champions League elimination by AFC Ajax.

"My deep feelings for PAOK are known to everybody," said Dermitzakis. "I met with the president and we tried to find the best possible solution so that the team can get out of the crisis. We part the way we started, as the best of friends who both care deeply for the club. We did well in Europe, but the bad results in the league are the reason behind this development. I told the players that the talent and quality are still there and they can turn the situation around."

PAOK travel to Villarreal CF in Group D on Thursday, leading the section with four points from two matches. Makis Havos, Dermitzakis's former assistant, will be caretaker coach for the game.