Thursday Sep 29 2005 11:48
Greece's German boss Otto Rehhagel has laughed off suggestions that his side will get any favours from Euro 2004 final referee Markus Merk.
Rehhagel knows his countryman well from their encounters in the Bundesliga, but insists that the official will be even-handed in Lisbon on Sunday.
He said: "I am glad that Markus Merk is refereeing the final as he is a very respected official. I have known him since I was 15 years old.
"He has always been very strict with me. He even sent me off into the stands on one occasion, so I'm sure there will not be any problem."
The coach has also distanced himself from reports linking him with the vacant position as manager of Germany's national team.
The German Football Association had hoped that Ottmar Hitzfeld would take charge in the wake of Rudi Voller's resignation, but are still looking for a new man after the ex-Bayern Munich coach rejected their offer.
However, when quizzed about the job, Rehhagel replied: "My job is to deal with my boys and the team and prepare them for the final.
"Nothing more, that's what my role is and nothing else."
Rehhagel's current contract with the Greek FA runs until the conclusion of the 2006 World Cup.
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