1. Life and Playing Career
Kostas Tsanas's early life set the stage for his entry into professional football, where he established himself as a prominent midfielder before embarking on a career in coaching.
1.1. Early Life and Background
Kostas Tsanas was born on August 22, 1967, in Kiriaaki, Greece. His formative years provided the foundation for his athletic pursuits, leading him to a career in professional football.
1.2. Club Career
Tsanas began his professional playing career in 1985 with Levadiakos, where he remained for a decade until 1995. Following his time at Levadiakos, he transferred to Kalamata FC. He then moved to Athinaikos, playing for the club from 1996 to 1999. He concluded his playing career with Ethnikos Piraeus FC.
Throughout his playing career, Tsanas made significant contributions to his teams. In the 1992-93 season, he achieved recognition as the top scorer in the Greek Second Division, netting 14 goals. In total, he participated in 257 games in the A Division, scoring 30 goals, and played 75 games in the Second Division, where he scored 25 goals.
2. Coaching and Management Career
After retiring as a player, Kostas Tsanas transitioned into coaching and management, taking on various roles that broadened his impact on Greek football, from youth development to leading national teams.
2.1. Early Coaching and Scouting Roles
Tsanas began his coaching journey in 2001, working within the youth academies of Athinaikos, the club where he previously played. His first experience as a head coach came in 2005 when he took charge of Athinaikos. The following year, in 2006, he assumed the managerial role at Ilisiakos. From 2008 to 2009, Tsanas served as a scouter for AEK FC, identifying talent for the club. Later, from 2019 to 2021, he further contributed to youth development as an academy director for AEK Athens.
2.2. Youth National Teams
Tsanas joined the staff of the Greek National team as an assistant coach for both the U19 and U21 squads. His leadership capabilities quickly became evident, leading to his appointment as the head coach of the Greece national under-19 football team in October 2011. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, reaching the finals of the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. In August 2012, Tsanas was named the head coach of the Greece national under-21 football team, continuing his work with the nation's rising football talents.
2.3. Senior National Team Caretaker and Technical Director
Kostas Tsanas has served as a caretaker coach for the senior Greece national football team on two separate occasions. One notable instance occurred on November 14, 2014, when he temporarily took over the team after Claudio Ranieri was dismissed due to poor results, including a loss to the Faroe Islands during a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier. His most recent and ongoing significant role in Greek football began in August 2021, when he was appointed as a technical director by the Hellenic Football Federation, underscoring his influence in shaping the future direction of the sport in Greece.
3. Honours
Kostas Tsanas has achieved notable honours both as a player and as a coach in his distinguished career.
- As a player:
- Greek Second Division Top Scorer: 1992-93 season (14 goals)
- As a coach:
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2012
4. Assessment and Legacy
Kostas Tsanas's career reflects a sustained commitment to Greek football, leaving a significant legacy as both a player and a coach. His transition from a decorated midfielder to a pivotal figure in youth and national team development highlights his deep understanding of the sport. As a player, his scoring prowess, particularly his achievement as the top scorer in the Greek Second Division, demonstrated his on-field impact.
In his coaching roles, especially with the youth national teams, Tsanas played a crucial part in nurturing emerging talent, culminating in the Greece U19 team's runner-up finish at the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. This achievement underscored his ability to inspire and organize young players for international competition. His multiple stints as a caretaker for the senior national team further illustrate his readiness to step into high-pressure situations. Currently, as the technical director of the Hellenic Football Federation, Tsanas holds a key position in shaping the long-term strategic direction and development of football across Greece. His consistent presence and evolution within Greek football signify his enduring influence and dedication to the sport. Further information regarding his coaching career can be found on his [http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/coaches/coach=7870/profile/index.html UEFA profile].