Panionios sack coach

Greek first division club Panionios announced Tuesday that it had fired German coach Ewald Lienen.

“In the last few months, there have been various disagreements concerning the development of the team and the philosophy of the club, between the administration and our coach Ewald Lienen,” Panionios announced in a statement.

Panionios said that assistant coach Joti Stamatopoulos will take over the coaching reins temporarily until a replacement for Lienen is found.

“This is a development we take no pleasure at all in announcing.

“Mr. Lienen has been a very important part in the recent rebuilding of our club. But like all beautiful journeys, this one has also reached its end.

“We are normally against changing the coach in the middle of the season in principle, but the situation is such, that we feel this very sad development will prove to be for the best of the Club, as well as Mr. Lienen.

“We wish Ewald Lienen wholeheartedly, all the best in the continuation of his career, whether this will be in our country or not.”

Panionios is presently tied for ninth place in the Greek table with 11 points having recorded three wins, two draws and four losses.