Rehhagel quits Greece, reports

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel has reportedly ended his nine-year tenure in charge of the national team, according to his assistant Yiannis Topalidis.

Rehhagel saw his side fail to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup finals yesterday following a 2-0 defeat to Argentina.

After their exit the 71-year-old German refused to comment on his future but Topalidis, who did announce his departure yesterday, was quoted in by Greek reporters today saying Rehhagel had decided to leave.

"I have said what I had to say," Topalidis said. "I have said goodbye to the players and so has the coach."

Rehhagel memorably masterminded Greece's Euro 2004 success which earned him the title of 'King Otto' in the Mediterranean nation.

He also led Greece to Euro 2008 and this summer's World Cup in South Africa, where they secured their first ever points at the finals with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.