Møller Nielsen to quit Israel role

Richard Møller Nielsen, the Israel coach, has decided to step down from the post when his contract expires at the end of June, despite being offered a two-year extension by the Israel Football Association (IFA).

'I feel responsible'
Møller Nielsen, who was criticised following his failure to take Israel to a 2002 FIFA World Cup play-off place last year, said he was flattered by the offer but felt he had not succeeded in his job. "I think I have had my chance but have not taken it," he said today. "I feel responsible that we only managed a draw against Austria and that we lost to Germany and Denmark."

World Cup hopes dashed
Needing victory last October, Israel's World Cup hopes ended when they conceded an injury-time equaliser to Austria in their final qualifier in Tel Aviv. In a friendly match in February, Israel equalled their worst-ever defeat when they lost 7-1 to Germany and then had another poor display in the 3-1 defeat to Denmark last month.

Difficult decision
"It has been very difficult for me to take this step because I have fallen in love with the people who live in this country," Møller Nielsen said. "The IFA have treated me 100 per cent correctly. Everybody has been marvellous to me."
 
‘Very upset’
IFA chairman Gavri Levi said he was disappointed by Møller Nielsen's decision. "I am very upset that he is not staying with us for another two years. We are not only losing a good coach, but a wonderful person from whom we have learned a great deal," he said.

Decision unrelated to political troubles
Møller Nielsen said the volatile security situation in the Middle East had not been a factor in his decision and that he believed another coach could revive Israel's footballing fortunes. "A change will probably do the team good," he said. "But there is absolutely no connection between the tragedies here and my decision. I feel desperately sorry for all those who have lost their lives."

Local candidates
Levi said the team's next coach, who will lead the team’s attempts to qualify for EURO 2004™, would be an Israeli. "We will certainly opt for a 'blue and white' coach," he said, adding that the current assistant coach Yitzhak Shum, Hapoel Tel-Aviv's Dror Kashtan and Giora Spiegel were all likely candidates.

Excellent start
Møller Nielsen began his spell as Israel coach with a 4-1 victory in a friendly over Russia in Haifa in February 2000 but went on to win just seven times in 20 matches. He coached the team to four draws and nine defeats.