Greece

Panathinaikos Coach Henk ten Cate Crestfallen By Cup Exit

The Dutchman was discouraged after the home loss but pledged improvement ahead of next week's clash in the Champions League...

Mar 5, 2009 2:53:20 PM

Greek Cup: Panathinaikos v Panserraikos (INTIME)

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Greek Cup: Panathinaikos v Panserraikos (INTIME)

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Panathinaikos crashed out of the Greek Cup after a 3-2 home defeat to Panserraikos on Wednesday evening, lowering morale considerably in Athens.

Coach Henk ten Cate was in less than stellar mood after the game, telling the press, "I can't say that the players didn't try, but we had a childish defence and missed many chances.

"Now we have to work on our self-esteem because we have another game on Saturday and, of course, the very important for us Champions League tie [against Villarreal] next Tuesday.

"As the team's coach the responsibility belongs to me."

The Dutchman moved on to discuss individuals - some of whom he was less than pleased with.

"The performance of Lazaros Christodoulopoulos was a bright light on a very dark night," he continued.

"The ups and downs in our performances are a matter of quality and concentration. We have first to work on our concentration and later improve our quality.

"This is not the first time something like this has happened against a weaker club and we probably need hard work and some people [need] to change."

Michael Paterakis, Goal.com