UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

'Time was right' for Hickersberger to go

One day after his surprise departure from the post of Austria head coach, Josef Hickersberger said he felt now was "exactly the right point in time" to step down.

Josef Hickersberger decided he had done all he could in the job
Josef Hickersberger decided he had done all he could in the job ©Getty Images

One day after his surprise departure from the post of Austria head coach, Josef Hickersberger said he felt now was "exactly the right point in time" to step down.

Job done
"It is exactly the right point in time to call it quits as coach of the Austrian national team – I have completed and fulfilled my duties," Hickersberger explained at a news conference today. The 60-year-old went on to thank all the staff at the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB), his players, the media and, particularly, the national team fans for their support.

Change of heart
The coach's change of heart in announcing yesterday that he was leaving the job came as a shock to the Austrian football community. Only last week, in the wake of his country's defeat by Germany in their third and final Group B match, Hickersberger said his intention was to continue working with the team. "The ÖFB told me before the EURO that my contract would be extended if the [UEFA] European Championship proved successful," Hickersberger said. "This was not the case and I must face the consequences."

Regrettable decision
ÖFB president Friedrich Stickler accepted the resignation with regret. "We were happy with Hickersberger and the direction he was taking us in. He had plenty of support among the executive board," said Stickler, who along with Austrian Bundesliga president Martin Pucher would like to unveil a successor by the end of July. "We are looking for a coach who has relevant experience and who will continue the work done by Josef Hickersberger," Stickler added. When asked of his own availability, Hickersberger's assistant and former international Andreas Herzog said: "I would not want to, and cannot, say anything about this. I will wait for the ÖFB to select its candidates."

Selected for you