Backe loses Panathinaikos job
Friday, September 15, 2006
Article summary
Swedish coach Hans Backe has parted company with Greek side Panathinaikos FC after four games in charge, following a protest by a section of the club's fans.
Article body
Panathinaikos FC have parted company with head coach Hans Backe following their 1-1 draw in the UEFA Cup first round against FC Metalurg Zaporizhzhya.
Fans protest
The 54-year old Swede was removed from his post after frustrated Panathinaikos fans staged a protest following the first leg home encounter with the Ukrainian side. Backe had just four matches in charge of the club since taking over at the end of the 2005/06 season, with two victories and one defeat in the league, along with Thursday’s draw against Metalurg. Backe’s assistant coach Jasminko Velić will act as coach in the league encounter against Panionios NFC on Sunday.
Keeper out
Meanwhile, Panathinaikos goalkeeper Mario Galinović, who was substituted against Metalurg, will be out for six weeks after a sustaining a minor fracture in a vertebra of his lower back. His place in goal will be taken by Pierre Ebede.
