Markarian announces resignation

Panathinaikos FC coach Sergio Markarian has resigned his post, he announced today at a press conference in Athens.

Contract extension offer
"I want to thank everybody at Panathinaikos, the administration, the players, my assistants and the fans, for the months I spent here," the Uruguayan said. "A month ago, the president, Mr Filippidis, offered me an extension to my contract, but he wanted an answer right away, so that he could start planning for the next season."

"Collect my thoughts"
"I, on the other hand, needed to take some time off in order to collect my thoughts, relax and decide," Markarian added. "So I answered him, three days later, that I will leave and that it is OK for him to start looking for a successor."

Rest needed
Markarian said that he has been working too much and now needs a rest from football. "I do not intend to accept any offer from any team, because I do not intend to work in the immediate future," he said.

European success
When asked to comment on Panathinaikos' progress this season, he answered: "When I took over, in December, the team was a spectator in the title fight. Yet we managed to close the gap and fight until the last minute for the league and an UEFA Champions League spot. At the same time, we achieved a spectacular season in Europe, coming within inches of the semi-finals [of the UEFA Champions League]."

Santos among favourites
Markarian joined Panathinaikos in December, after Giannis Kyrastas quit. Fernando Santos, who yesterday resigned his post as coach of AEK Athens is among the favourites to succeed Markarian.