Italy’s Euro 2016 Group H qualification opponents Azerbaijan have confirmed that Berti Vogts has left his position as Coach.
The German had been in charge since 2008, but in opening qualifying with three defeats from three, including a 2-1 reverse in Palermo to Italy this month, has left the role.
Italy’s Euro 2016 Group H qualification opponents Azerbaijan have confirmed that Berti Vogts has left his position as Coach.
The German had been in charge since 2008, but in opening qualifying with three defeats from three, including a 2-1 reverse in Palermo to Italy this month, has left the role.
“AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev met Azerbaijan national team Coach Berti Vogts yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland,” the Azerbaijan Football Association’s website explains in a statement.
“During the meeting they discussed the matches played in the 2016 UEFA EURO qualifying round. Berti Vogts noted with regret that he couldn’t see his future in the Azerbaijan national team. He said that the Azeri A-team did not show persistence during the last game.
“Furthermore, the problem of physical fitness, which has been repeatedly emphasized for several years, has not been resolved. Vogts said that he has already worked six years in Azerbaijan, and during some games he could brought much joy to the fans.
“Berti Vogts said he was willing to share his knowledge with the Coach, under whose leadership the team will play the next games, and if necessary, to share information about the opponents and the players who will be invited to the team. Berti Vogts thanked AFFA for their work and noted that he considers Azerbaijan his second home.
“AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev said that Berti Vogts was requested to continue its work and his activities in the Azerbaijan national team is highly valued by AFFA. AFFA President noted that the work done by Berti Vogts, in general had a positive influence on the development of football in Azerbaijan.
“Despite the fact that this is not a great achievement, but it was under Berti Vogts Azerbaijani team was able to earn the most points in the qualifying rounds – nine points, and the Azerbaijan national team was able to leapfrog to the 73rd place in the FIFA Rankings.
“Mr. Abdullayev said that Berti Vogts will be remembered with appreciation for the work he done and he will always remain as a friend of Azerbaijani football.
“AFFA Vice-President Elshad Nassirov and General Secretary Elkhan Mammadov also attended the meeting.”