Ivan Jovanovic has been handed the reins of the Greek national team for the next two years as the country hopes to end its recent exile from major tournaments with qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Serbian manager has inked a two-year deal with the Hellenic Football Federation to lead the “Ethniki”, with his first job being to set the team up well for the upcoming 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.
Greece is set for its debut campaign in League B and will go up against Ireland, Finland and England.
The Serbian coach is better equipped than most for the role with an already keen understanding of Hellenic football, having worked extensively in the country as both a player and as a manager.
Among the Greek clubs Jovanovic has coached at are Niko Volos, Iraklis (where he also played for ten years), Panachaiki and, most recently, Panathinaikos.
The 61-year-old had great successes during his spell with the “Trifylli”, including winning a Greek Cup, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League and bringing the team within touching distance of its first premiership in over a decade.
The Serbian manager also achieved highly during two terms at APOEL (2003-2005, 2008-2013), winning four premierships and a Cup while also making the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2011/12 season.
Greece is now hoping Jovanovic can put his skills to good use for the betterment of the national team, which has not qualified for a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup.
The Serbian’s first games in charge will begin this September when Greece gets its Nations League campaign underway with contests against Finland and Ireland.
