Bozsik quits humbled Hungary
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Article summary
Hungary's dismal start to UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying - culminating in this month's defeat in Malta - has resulted in the resignation of head coach Péter Bozsik.
Article body
Hungary's dismal start to UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying has resulted in the resignation of coach Péter Bozsik following today's board meeting of the Hungarian Football Federation.
Malta low
Bozsik, who took charge in March as successor to Lothar Matthäus, has stood down in the wake of the national team's 2-1 defeat in Malta on 11 October. That loss underlined the problems facing Hungary in Group C after home reverses against Norway and Turkey had sandwiched a victory in Bosnia-Herzegovina for Bozsik's men.
Family connection
The 44-year-old was following in his father's footsteps by taking on the role of Hungary coach, the legendary player József Bozsik having also led his country from the bench in 1974. Bozsik Jr had made his name in coaching, first with Vasas SC, then by steering Zalaegerszegi TE to a maiden league championship in 2001/02. He was assisted at the Hungary helm by former international Lajos Détári, but the humiliation in Malta – it was the hosts' first UEFA European Championship win since 1982 – spelled the end for the new regime.