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The coach the national soccer team Otto Rehhagel promised to make Greeks proud again. Rehhagel assured that the Greek players have already proven they can cope with difficult situations and are now fully prepared to do everything in their power to give Greece a reason to be proud again. Rehhagel is confident that the national team will present a game that will be as good as and better than the one 6 years ago at the European Championships in Portugal. 

     "All of us going to the Mundial will participate for the first time in such event and this is a huge challenge for us. For most players probably this is the first and last Mundial. For others it will be the last major event in which they will participate. Precisely this is the reason why it is very motivating for us all."

    On the question of what can he promise to Greek fans regarding the teams’ presentation in South Africa he said that they will be able to see a team, which has a great desire to fight and a clear goal as to achieving the best. When asked on how far the team can go in the final phase of the tournament, the German avoided making daring promises. He laconically repeated that his goal is to make Greeks proud one more time. As the most serious opponent Rehhagel names Argentina, but says that no team should be underestimated. Such mistake people make when not paying attention to Korea, but the team is not an easy opponent. 

The German, who is coaching the Greek national team since August 9, 2001, is known for his authoritarian working style. Often people in Germany criticize him for outdated tactics and uncompromising game. To those criticisms he responded by saying: "a modern play is a play, which wins.” Rehhagel, who in July 2004, became an honorary citizen of Athens, is the first foreign coach of a European champion soccer winner in the history of national teams in Europe. 

    Except for his authoritarian work style Rehhagel is also known for the care for the psychological comfort of his players. He is the only coach, who keeps the media at a great distance and all things happening in the locker rooms remain a secret for journalists. Rehhagel cares for the tranquility of his players to such an extent that often he sends journalists away from lobby bars of hotels where the players are staying during games.