Serbia’s Coach Steps Down Following Defeat to Albania
Image source, Getty Images
Dragan Stojkovic, who played 84 times for Yugoslavia from 1983 to 2001
ByTom Mallows
BBC Sport journalist
Dragan Stojkovic has stepped down as Serbia’s head coach following a narrow 1-0 loss to Albania in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
Rey Manaj’s decisive goal marked Serbia’s second consecutive defeat, following a 5-0 loss to England last month.
Currently, Serbia sits third in Group K, trailing England, who leads with 15 points, and Albania, who has 11 points but has played an extra match.
“I discussed with the president and general secretary and submitted my resignation,” Stojkovic announced at the post-match press conference.
“This defeat was unexpected. I take full responsibility and accountability for the outcome.”
Serbia’s upcoming match is against Andorra on Tuesday.
Appointed in 2021, Stojkovic guided Serbia to the 2022 World Cup, where they finished last in their group with a single point from three matches.
Due to security concerns, Saturday’s match was moved from Belgrade to Leskovac, reflecting the ongoing political tensions between the two nations.
With this result, England can secure their spot in the next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico by defeating Latvia in Riga on Tuesday.
Related Topics
