Nikos Nioplias quits as Panathinaikos coach

Panathinaikos coach Nikos Nioplias has resigned because of poor results.

The defending Greek champions say they have appointed Jacek Gmoch as caretaker coach until a permanent replacement can be found. Gmoch, a 71-year-old Pole, led Panathinaikos from 1983-85 and is seen as one of the club's most successful coaches.

Nioplias' decision came two days after a 1-1 draw against Larissa, and weeks after he announced - and then retracted - his resignation.

Nioplias, a former coach of Greece's under-21 national team, took over Panathinaikos in August 2009 and led the team to the Greek league title and the Greek Cup.

Panathinaikos shares first place in the 16-team standings with Olympiakos, which has played one game fewer.