Tough break for Smilevski
Wednesday, December 4, 2002
Article summary
FK Pobeda have sacked coach Zoran Smilevski with his assistant Ivan Mitricevski taking temporary charge.
Article body
Elimination from two cup competitions and a fifth-placed position in the Macedonian First League at the winter break have led to FK Pobeda sacking coach Zoran Smilevski.
Lead overturned
Pobeda's season started in disappointing fashion when they were knocked out of the UEFA Cup in the qualifying round by Danish side FC Midtjylland. Pobda lost 3-2 on aggregate despite winning the first leg 2-0 at home.
Poor away form
The club are currently nine points behind league leaders FK Belasica GC and have been knocked out of the Macedonian Cup - a tournament which they won last season. A 3-1 home win last weekend against defending champions FK Vardar was not enough to save Smilevski, with a poor return of just two points away from home sealing his fate.
Caretaker appointment
"Pobeda are fifth in the table and that is far from our expectations," said club president Hari Hadziristeski. "We have parted company with Smilevski on good terms. Until we have named the new coach, assistant Ivan Mitricevski will take over as the caretaker."
