Serbia Coach Dragan Stojkovic Resigns After 0-1 Loss to Albania

Dragan Stojkovic steps down as Serbia Coach

Serbia's World Cup qualifying campaign hits a setback as coach Dragan Stojkovic resigns after Albania loss.

“I have offered my resignation, they will make an announcement also, but I will not travel to Andorra and lead...”

Dragan Stojkovic resigned as Serbia's coach after his team lost 0-1 to Albania in a World Cup qualifier at home. In a post-match press conference, Stojkovic took full responsibility for the defeat.

“This defeat should not have happened, and I accept responsibility. I'm here to face the consequences,” Stojkovic said, showing accountability for the loss. He also informed the Serbian Football Association of his decision to step down, confirming he won't lead the team in the upcoming match against Andorra.

“I spoke with the president and secretary general of the Serbian Football Association.

“I have offered my resignation, they will make an announcement also, but I will not travel to Andorra and lead the team,” he said, quoted by the state-run RTS broadcaster.

Dragan Stojkovic stepped down as Serbia's coach following a 0-1 loss to Albania in a World Cup qualifier. Serbia's next match is against Andorra on Tuesday.

“Saturday's result was really poor, I did not expect this,” Stojkovic said, expressing his disappointment and surprise at the team's performance.

Dragan Stojkovic, affectionately known as Piksi, took the reins as Serbia's coach in 2021. With a wealth of experience, he led the team to qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.

As a skilled midfielder, Stojkovic made 84 appearances for the former Yugoslavia between 1983 and 2001. A trailblazer, he was among the first top European players to join Japan's J-League, playing for Nagoya Grampus Eight from 1994 to 2001.

After hanging up his boots, Stojković briefly served as chairman of Red Star Belgrade before transitioning into coaching. His managerial journey began at Nagoya, followed by a stint at Chinese side Guangzhou.

Šta je rekao odmah posle poraza od Albanije, to je Dragan Stojković ponovio i na obaveznoj konferenciji za medije.

Piksi je rekao da je ponudio ostavku na funkciju selektora Srbije.

Goran Đorović će voditi reprezentaciju na sledećoj utakmici. pic.twitter.com/xHa7p31wqq

— Mozzart Sport (@MozzartSport) October 11, 2025

Serbia currently sits third in Group K, trailing behind leaders England and second-placed Albania. The recent loss has heightened speculation about Stojković's future, with reports suggesting Veljko Paunović might take over.

The match against Albania was relocated from Belgrade's stadium to Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac due to security concerns, amid tense relations between the two nations.