The Serbian national football team suffered another defeat, losing to Albania 1:0 in Leskovac in the World Cup qualifiers, effectively losing their chances to reach the tournament. At the press conference after the match, the Eagles’ head coach, Dragan Stojković Piksi, addressed the media.
“I had a conversation. I offered my resignation. I did not expect this defeat. And against a team that is our direct rival for second place. I am someone who takes responsibility. I am not the culprit. Don’t worry, I’m sorry we lost. That’s how it is in sports, in life, and in football,” Piksi said at the start of the press conference.
When asked about fielding a large number of debutants for Serbia’s decisive match, he replied:
“Someone has to make their debut. It’s not an excuse; these guys have quality and a future. That’s my responsibility, no problem. Don’t criticize the players, I’m the one most responsible.”
Stojković believes he should not travel to the next match of the Serbian national team, which will take place in a few days in Andorra.
“It’s a specific moment. I don’t think I should travel to Andorra. It would be irrational for me to go. I told them that. I said I’m not going to Andorra, my assistant will lead the match. That’s life. There’s no need to make a fuss about it.”
Regarding the responsibility of the players and himself, and the mistakes made during the match against Albania, he said:
“The responsibility is everyone’s. We didn’t score, they did. The first half was decent, we created chances. We didn’t manage to put the ball in. A cold shower before halftime. A lot of offensive players, but no final passes. The guys tried, I’m to blame. What we agreed to do — we did — but it wasn’t enough. I stand in their defense. If someone had told me this would happen, I wouldn’t have believed it. There were beautiful moments, but now we’ve disappointed the nation. I’m ready to accept the consequences, and there will be no excuses,” said what appears to be the now-former coach of Serbia.
According to the latest information, the Football Association of Serbia has accepted Dragan Stojković Piksi’s resignation, and the national team will be led against Andorra by his assistant, Goran Đorović.
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