PAOK swap Beretta for Dermitzakis

PAOK FC have appointed Pavlos Dermitzakis as head coach, replacing Mario Beretta after the Italian's short reign ended on Friday.

Dermitzakis, 41, knows PAOK well having spent three years there as a player in the early 1990s and is keen to build on the club's achievements in 2009/10, when they finished second in the Super League. "I want the team to continue playing the attractive football that lured the fans to the stadium," said Dermitzakis, whose first task is to prepare the squad for Wednesday's UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg at AFC Ajax.

"We have a special encounter ahead against a high-profile rival like Ajax in a very prestigious competition," added Dermitzakis, who spent the second half of last season at Panthrakikos FC after spells in charge of lower-league sides Atsalenios FC and Diagoras FC. "It's a great challenge for all the players to compete in it. We don't have many days ahead but we will prepare to the best of our abilities."

Beretta had signed a two-year deal to take charge of PAOK on 14 June, his first coaching position outside his homeland, after the departure of Fernando Santos to take charge of the Greek national team. "PAOK and my staff and I have decided to part company by mutual consent due to the different point of view regarding the coaching methods and the function of the team," the Italian said in a statement. "We wish PAOK and their fans a successful season."