In a tense aftermath of Serbia’s shocking 0–1 home defeat to Albania, President Aleksandar Vučić addressed reporters in Belgrade, expressing both disappointment and exhaustion. The Serbian head of state admitted he could not sleep after the loss, not out of anger, but out of sadness over the national team’s performance.
“It was not a good team; they didn’t play well and suffered a loss,” Vučić said. “I couldn’t sleep because I was sad, not because I was angry. Some people are angry all the time, but no one asks what we have done for our national team. They had everything they needed — the best accommodation, charter flights, all the support. We were good hosts.”
Vučić went on to clarify that he had chosen not to attend the match, citing exhaustion after a demanding day rather than indifference toward the national team.
“I didn’t go to the stadium because I was tired. For me, resting after a difficult day was more important than attending the match,” he explained.
The President’s comments followed a wave of public criticism and disappointment across Serbian media and social networks, as fans expressed frustration over the team’s lackluster performance against Albania — a match that carried both athletic and political tension, given the historical rivalry between the two nations.
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| Dragan Stojković |
Coach Dragan Stojković Resigns
Following the defeat in Leskovac, the Serbian Football Federation (FSS) confirmed that head coach Dragan “Piksi” Stojković had officially submitted his resignation. The 59-year-old coach, who had led Serbia for more than four years, decided to step down after failing to secure a crucial win in the World Cup qualifiers.
According to the FSS statement, Stojković informed players and staff of his decision immediately after the match.
“After the national team’s loss against Albania in Leskovac, coach Dragan Stojković offered his resignation and will not travel with the team to the upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Andorra,” the FSS announcement stated.
Initially, Stojković had suggested that his assistant, Goran Đorović, would lead the team to Andorra. However, new developments within the Serbian Football Federation changed that plan.
Zoran Mirković Takes Over Interim Leadership
The FSS later confirmed that Zoran Mirković, the current coach of Serbia’s U21 team and a former national team defender, would temporarily take charge of the senior squad.
“Leadership of the Serbian national team A in the upcoming World Cup qualifier will be taken over by our youth team coach, Zoran Mirković,” read the FSS statement. “He joined the team on Sunday morning in Niš, accompanied by members of the professional staff — Strahinja Pandurović, Lazar Tomić, Aleksandar Kirovski, Dejan Odavić, and Bogdan Milićević.”
The Executive Board of the Football Association of Serbia is scheduled to convene on Friday, October 19, to discuss long-term decisions regarding the national team’s management. The meeting is expected to determine whether Mirković will remain as interim coach or if a new head coach will be appointed.
Four Years of Achievements and Challenges
Despite the disappointing loss, the Federation expressed gratitude toward Stojković for his contributions during his tenure. Under his leadership, Serbia qualified for both the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the UEFA Euro 2024, and achieved promotion to League A in the UEFA Nations League.
“The Football Association of Serbia expresses its gratitude to Stojković for everything he has accomplished over the past four and a half years, especially for securing qualification for the World Cup and the European Championship, as well as for maintaining Serbia’s position among Europe’s elite football nations,” the FSS said.
Stojković’s resignation marks the end of an era that began with optimism but closed with disappointment. His tactical vision and emotional leadership were often praised, but inconsistency in key matches left fans frustrated.
Public Reaction and Political Undertones
Public reaction to the defeat and subsequent resignation has been divided. While some supporters thanked Stojković for his service, others demanded structural reforms within the national football system.
Analysts also noted the political undertones surrounding Vučić’s comments, suggesting that his visible dismay reflected the symbolic role football plays in Serbian national identity. The President’s remarks — emphasizing that the players had “everything they needed” — were interpreted by many as a critique of the team’s mentality rather than the logistics or management.
The match against Albania, held in Leskovac, was more than a sporting event; it was a reminder of the deep historical tensions that still shape Balkan football. Albania’s victory — their first ever on Serbian soil — was celebrated in Tirana and among Albanian fans worldwide, while Serbian media labeled it a “night of humiliation.”
As Serbia prepares for its next qualifier against Andorra under interim coach Mirković, the pressure will be immense. The outcome will likely influence the future of the coaching staff and the direction of Serbian football leading up to the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Whether this defeat becomes a moment of crisis or a catalyst for renewal will depend on how quickly the team regains confidence — both on and off the field.