New Greece coach to copy Spanish-style game

New Greece coach Fernando Santos said Tuesday that he intends to copy the style of play used by World Cup winners Spain.

Former European champions Greece were knocked out in the first round of the World Cup in South Africa after they finished second last in their group.

“The national team from now on will use the 4-4-2 diamond system for the first time with 4-3-3 that was used in the past as an alternative,” the 56-year-old Portuguese coach said.

“We will only play a pressing zone defence. Forget the man-to-man which we had before, even if we play (Argentine star Lionel) Messi or Pele.”

Otto Rehhagel’s successor wants to start the new system in his debut match, a friendly against Serbia on August 11 in Belgrade.

“We respect every opponent but we want to have our own play. Our goal is to win every match and of course to build a solid team both on defence and in attack,” Santos said.

“The work done by my predecessor was successful and we must not forget that, but now I want to proceed with my philosophy and this is what I want to pass on to my players,” Santos added.

The new man in charge has also called three uncapped players up for the Serbia match and has left out eight players from the Greece World Cup 2010 squad.

“The national team will be open to those who deserve to be there,” Santos said. “We will not close the door to anyone.”

Santos added that a national B team will be created for players between the ages of 21 and 23 who do not get an opportunity to play for the Under-21 squad or the national team but who may be called up to join the main national team.