Giannis Sfairopoulos clears up rumors about taking over Panathinaikos / News - Basketnews.com

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Panathinaikos OPAP Athens have been on the lookout for their new head coach, who will replace Giorgos Vovoras, and Giannis Sfairopoulos has been rumored as one of the possible candidates for the Greens' bench.

2-pointers this season

54%19,4Points made:19,4Accuracy:53,7%Place in standings:10Record max:25Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Georgios PapagiannisTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Greek tactician, who last coached Maccabi Tel Aviv, commented on these rumors during the seminar hosted in Athens by the Greek Basketball Coaches' Association.

Speaking to Greek public television ERT, Sfairopoulos was asked about potentially taking over Panathinaikos. The former Olympiacos Piraeus, bench boss, left no room for any misinterpretation.

"I respect Panathinaikos, I respect their past, present and future. I respect all the people who work at Panathinaikos -the management, the players, the people who work in the team and the players, but there has been no discussion about taking over the team," Sfairopoulos clarified.

"With everything that has happened in Russia, some things have changed, but I am not in a hurry to decide about my future. However, my priority is to work abroad," the 55-year-old added.

Dimitris Itoudis recently revealed that he's had some discussions with other prominent Greek coaches regarding the country's national team, with Sfairopoulos being among those who had been contacted in order to provide some ideas.

"I have spoken and will definitely speak again with Dimitris Itoudis," the experienced bench boss confirmed.

"It's a great honor that he wants us by his side. I have been with the national team in two different stints. My experience and expertise are at the disposal of the national team.

We are proud of the team and it is very important that all Greek coaches are united in order for our basketball to take one step forward," he concluded.

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