SERBIA boss Dragan Stojkovic sensationally QUIT his job just minutes after the defeat to Albania.
Former Watford flop Rey Manaj netted late in the first half to score the only goal of the World Cup qualifier at the Dubocica Stadium.
ReutersDragan Stojkovic has quit his role in charge of Serbia[/caption]
APRey Manaj netted the only goal of the game as Albania beat Serbia[/caption]
The result meant it was back-to-back defeats for Serbia – who were hammered 5-0 by England in September.
Serbia are now third in Group K with seven points, four points behind rivals Albania.
The defeat to the Albanians would have been extra painful due to the rivalry between the two nations.
Their dislike is rooted in history and politics, especially over Kosovo which declared its independence in 2008.
Albania supported Kosovo while Serbia did not recognise which has kept tensions high and the conflict often spills into football.
This was evidenced when a 2014 clash between the two was abandoned after a drone with an Albanian flag sparked a brawl between the players.
Stojkovic, 60, revealed that he had already spoken to the president and general secretary when he entered his post-match press conference.
He insisted that he had been expecting his Serbia side to beat Albania and boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.
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He said: “I spoke with the president and general secretary and I offered my resignation.
“I personally did not expect this defeat.
“I am someone who accepts full responsibility and is solely accountable.”
Stojkovic’s exit comes just days before Serbia are due to face Andorra at the Estadi de la FAF in their next qualifier on Friday.
The Serbian FA have confirmed that youth coach Zoran Mirković will step up to take charge of the team.
He will be supported by coaching staff members Strahinja Pandurovic, Lazar Tomic, Aleksandar Kirovski, Dejan Odavic and Bogdan Milićevic.
Shutterstock EditorialStojkovic had been in charge since 2021[/caption]
A statement read: “The Football Association of Serbia would like to take this opportunity to express its gratitude to Dragan Stojkovic for everything he has done in the past four and a half years at the helm of the national team.
“Primarily in qualifying for the World and European Championships, as well as winning first place in Division B of the League of Nations and maintaining its status in the elite ranks of European football.”
Stojkovic landed the Serbia job in 2021 and had taken charge of 55 games.
He had led the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the Euros in 2024.
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