SERBIA boss Dragan Stojkovic sensationally quits his job just minutes after the defeat to Albania.
Former Watford flop Rey Manaj scored late in the first half to score the only goal of the World Cup qualifier at the Dubocica Stadium.
The result meant consecutive defeats for Serbia, who were defeated 5–0 by England in September.
Serbia are now third in Group K with seven points, four points behind rivals Albania.
The defeat by the Albanians would have been extra painful because of the rivalry between the two nations.
Their disgust is rooted in history and politics, especially over Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008.
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Albania has backed Kosovo while Serbia has not, which has kept tensions high and the conflict often spilling over into football.
This was evident when a clash between the two was stopped in 2014 after a drone flying an Albanian flag caused a brawl between the players.
Stojkovic, 60, revealed he had already spoken to the president and general secretary when he attended his post-match press conference.
He insisted he had expected his Serbian side to beat Albania and boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup next summer.
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He said: “I have spoken to the president and general secretary and tendered my resignation.
“Personally I did not expect this defeat.
“I am someone who accepts full responsibility and is solely liable.”
Stojkovic’s departure comes just days before Serbia face Andorra in their next qualifying match at the Estadi de la FAF on Friday.
The Serbian Football Association has confirmed that youth coach Zoran Mirković will take charge of the team.
He is supported by technical staff members Strahinja Pandurovic, Lazar Tomic, Aleksandar Kirovski, Dejan Odavic and Bogdan Milićevic.
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 over the past four and a half years at the helm of the national team.
“Mainly by qualifying for the World and European Championships, but also by winning first place in League of Nations Division B and maintaining its status among the elite of European football.”
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Stojkovic got the job for Serbia in 2021 and was in charge of 55 games.
He led the team to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 European Championship.
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