Greece hire Gus Poyet as new coach

Gus Poyet has been hired as coach of Greece's national team in a change of leadership after the former European champions' failure to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

The Greek Soccer Federation said it had reached an agreement with the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Uruguay midfielder with Poyet's contract running through to the end of 2023, with a 12-month extension option.

The 54-year-old replaces Dutch coach John van't Schip who resigned in November after Greece finished third in their World Cup qualifying group behind Spain and Sweden.

"I have great respect for Greek football players and their abilities and from what I have seen so far, I believe that there is the right material and all the conditions to do well at the upcoming events," said Poyet.

"I can't wait to meet the players and get started."

Poyet has coached teams in several countries, including China, Spain and France, with spells at the helm of Brighton and Sunderland in England, and Greek club AEK Athens.

The 2004 European champions Greece have struggled in recent years to reach major tournaments.

They are placing their hopes in a rebuilt youthful side that includes 25-year-old Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas to try and qualify for the 2024 European Championships in Germany.