Jacob Neestrup: 'I am the best coach Panathinaikos could have'

Panathinaikos has officially welcomed Jacob Neestrup as the club's new head coach, marking a new chapter for the Greek football team. The Danish manager was presented on Sunday in the presence of club owner Giannis Alafouzos and technical director Stefanos Kotsolis.

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We spoke with 3-4 coaches, but when we saw his resume, he stood out. We are happy he is with us. Good luck to us.

Alafouzos revealed that the club considered several coaching candidates but Neestrup stood out immediately. "We spoke with 3-4 coaches, but when we saw his resume, he stood out. We are happy he is with us. Good luck to us," Alafouzos stated, expressing optimism about the new appointment.

Kotsolis elaborated on the selection criteria, emphasizing the club's search for a coach with ambition, a track record of success, and the potential for future growth. "We wanted someone young, ambitious, who has won titles, has European achievements, and has developed players. With passion and a plan, he will greatly contribute to the team achieving its goals," Kotsolis said.

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We wanted someone young, ambitious, who has won titles, has European achievements, and has developed players. With passion and a plan, he will greatly contribute to the team achieving its goals.

Neestrup conveyed his gratitude for the warm welcome and shared his excitement about the project. "After an excellent time in Copenhagen, my family, my staff, and I considered the next chapter for me. I had various discussions with Mr. Baldini, the vice president, the technical director, and the President, and with each conversation, I became more curious about the project," Neestrup explained. He expressed deep respect for the club's history and its fans, believing Panathinaikos now has the platform to aim high. "I see myself as the best coach Panathinaikos could have. It is a huge club, we have the same dreams, and they are achievable. We need to keep an open mind to have all the ambitions the club needs for the future."

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I see myself as the best coach Panathinaikos could have. It is a huge club, we have the same dreams, and they are achievable.

Looking ahead, Neestrup is focused on building a winning team quickly. "We will work together, every day, with all our excellent colleagues to build a team that will make all our fans proud in the future," he stated, expressing his eagerness to start the journey. He also addressed the pressure associated with the role, viewing it positively as a sign of expectations and enthusiasm for the club.

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We will work together, every day, with all our excellent colleagues to build a team that will make all our fans proud in the future.