Rehhagel demands ongoing effort

As Otto Rehhagel's Greece prepare to "defend our European title next June", the coach wants a strong display against Malta in their last Group C home game.

Final obstacles
Already sure of a place at UEFA EURO 2008™, Greece will hold on to top spot in the section with a point from their final games against Malta on Saturday and Hungary in Budapest next Wednesday. However, their German coach wants to ensure the players take their final games seriously as they look to win hearts and minds at home ahead of the trip to Austria and Switzerland in 2008.

Important fixtures
"When you underestimate an opponent, you take a big risk," Rehhagel said. "Germany qualified and then they underperformed against the Czech Republic, lost 3-0 and the fans booed them. I want to avoid a similar situation and that means we must not underestimate Malta. Every match is important. We won't have many friendlies ahead of the finals so each match will help us prepare ourselves."

Club football
The 69-year-old Rehhagel has already set his side targets for the months ahead, aiming "to prepare ourselves as best as we can in order to defend our European title next June". He said: "My main concern is for my players to be playing for their clubs, to keep fit and healthy, so that we can present a competitive side at the finals, for the sake of Greek football."

Contract talk
Asked whether he thought the current side was better than the one that won UEFA EURO 2004™, he replied: "It's all hypothetical. We'll see at the finals. The rule is that the best team is the most successful one." He also remained tight-lipped about his plans after the finals, with his contract set to expire. "There is time ahead. We'll talk about it in the spring. I have been in charge for six years but it feels as if it's been only six minutes."