Peseiro answers Panathinaikos call

Greek UEFA Cup qualifiers Panathinaikos FC have unveiled 47-year-old José Peseiro as their new coach following the departure of Spaniard Víctor Muñoz.

Ambitious coach
The Portuguese manager, who graduated from the same coaching course as Chelsea FC boss José Mourinho, has signed a two-year contract with the Athens giants. He said: "I am very happy to be appointed coach of such a big club. Panathinaikos are a big name not only in Greece but also in Europe. I have come here to win trophies, as a team like Panathinaikos are compelled to aim for such goals. My new team have a proud history, a lot of fans, a very capable administration and good players. I have been impressed by what I've seen so far and we will all work together to try to bring success."

Unhappy ending
Peseiro, who coached Real Madrid CF in the 2003/04 campaign, was in charge at Sporting Clube de Portugal between 2004 and 2006 before spending last season with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal Club. His new charges will start their UEFA Cup challenge in the first round after finishing third in the Super League. Muñoz was appointed in October but failed to bring Panathinaikos their first silverware since landing the double in 2004. An indifferent term culminated in a 2-1 defeat by minnows Larissa FC in the Greek Cup final.