2019-11-20T12:39:19+00:00

2019-11-20T12:39:19+00:00

2019-11-20T14:30:37+00:00.

Rick Pitino is expected to be announced as the new coach of Panathinaikos

By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net

Only the official announcement is missing at this point for Rick Pitino to became official the coach of Panathinaikos again.

The coach who led the Greens to the Greek League title and the Greek Cup last year will sit again on the bench of the club, despite being also announced as the coach of the Greek national team.

It was a common secret that his relationship with Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos remains excellent, and that was a crucial part of Pitino’s decision.

Pitino had his doubts for a possible return, especially after getting the position of the Greek national team coach, but Giannakopoulos managed to convince him.

There’s no clause in the deal of Pitino with the Greek national team that prevents him from also working for a club. It should be noted, however, that in the recent past former national team coach Panagiotis Giannakis had to leave the national team when he signed with Olympiacos, the arch-rival of Panathinaikos.

Pitino is expected to return from the US to Athens in the next few days, and he will coach the team in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game against Baskonia.

The news about the imminent deal was first reported from the Greek portal SDNA and Rick Pitino practically announced the deal via Twitter.

Excited to be returning to @paobcgr. Awesome guys to coach and it will keep me closer to the talent with the National team. — Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) November 20, 2019

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