Greek ace stays at Werder

Werder Bremen have ruled out the possibility of Angelos Charisteas leaving.

The Greek Euro 2004 star is currently out of the first-team picture in Thomas Schaaf's in-form team, however the side have a difficult programme ahead.

"A transfer is not on the cards for us. We are facing a very difficult programme and therefore we need to have several top strikers," declared Schaaf.

Greece boss Otto Rehhagel, ironically a long-serving Werder Bremen coach, had recently suggested the 24-year-old striker find a new club in order to secure regular football.

Rehhagel, who is still held in high regard in the North German port city since he transformed the small club into one of the country's most successful teams in his 14-year-long reign, had caused an out-cry in the Werder camp with his controversial comments and director of sport Klaus Allofs is looking to hold talks with the veteran coach in near future.

"I don't know if he really said what has been reported, but if it's true, I will certainly tell him that don't appreciate this kind of advice," said Allofs.

Charisteas, who scored the winner when Greece sensationally beat Portugal to become European champions this summer, is currently well down Werder's pecking order after missing large parts of the season due to illness and injury.

Schaaf has recently preferred to pair German international Miroslav Klose with Croat youngster Ivan Klasnic while Paraguay talent Nelson Valdez is his first choice as substitute.

However, the coach has suggested that Charisteas will get his share of playing time as Werder face a punishing schedule in the coming weeks due to Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League fixtures.