 Panathinaikos snare Shum(Haifa's manager) | |
Panathinaikos snare Shum
Tuesday, 03 June 2003
Hellenic National League runners-up Panathinaikos FC have enticed Itzhak Shum from Maccabi Haifa FC to be their new coach.
Markarian departure
The 54-year-old Israeli has signed a two-year contract and replaces Uruguayan Sergio Markarian who quit the club in response to protests from supporters angry at a crucial defeat against Olympiakos Piraeus FC which effectively cost the club their first league title since 1996.
Israeli landmark
Shum took over at Maccabi this season, helping them become the first Israeli side to qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League where they secured Group F victories against Manchester United FC and Greek champions Olympiakos but finished third in the four-team section and were eliminated.
League crown gone
Maccabi were subsequently knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the third round by AEK Athens FC 8-1 on aggregate. On Saturday Haifa lost their Israeli league crown as they were edged out on goal difference by Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Panathinaikos prepare
Panathinaikos have qualified for next season's Champions League and will enter the competition in the group stage | 
