Goalkeeping Coach Swapping Chelsea For Greece | OneFootball

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Casper Ankergren is leaving his role as assistant goalkeeper coach at Chelsea to head for Greek giants Panathinaikos.

Ankergren joined Chelsea in March to provide urgent cover for the first-team goalkeeping department during the final stretch of the season.

Goalkeeping coach at Chelsea, Ben Roberts urgently needed cover for the full-time goalkeeping coach, who had to step away unexpectedly to undergo surgery.

Roberts turned to the 46-year-old, who had a pre-existing working relationship with him from their time together coaching at Brighton.

Ankergren’s Premier League experience, including a spell as West Ham United’s goalkeeping coach, made him an attractive option.

Ankergren though is not remaining at Chelsea and is heading to Greece to take up a role at Panathianikos.

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Ankergren is joining Greek side Panathinaikos as their new head goalkeeping coach.

The 46-year-old will assist head coach Jacob Neestrup, who now has his entire staff in place.

The Greek club will be hoping Ankergren’s Premier League experience will help them push for higher ambitions next season.

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Chelsea are expected to be active in the market as they look to bounce back from a disappointing season which saw them finish outside European places.

The Blues are interested in signing Real Betis defensive talent Jean Emmanuel N’Goran and have made enquiries to ‘learn more about his situation’, with Manchester United also keen.

Chelsea’s young talent Sol Gordon, who is entering the final year of his contract, is attracting interest from Newcastle United and Everton.

The summer window is expected to be key for Chelsea as they back Xabi Alonso with new signings, but Alonso will need more cover in the goalkeeping coach department given Ankergren’s Stamford Bridge exit.