Hickersberger resigns from Austrian post

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

VIENNA (AFP) — Josef Hickersberger announced his retirement as Austrian coach in an interview to be published on Tuesday which will appear on the day that the Austrian federation were to decide on his future.

The 60-year-old tells daily newspaper 'Der Standard' that he feels exhausted after coaching co-hosts Austria at Euro 2008 where they bowed out in the first round with just one point and having scored one goal.

"I am stopping ... I feel empty and tired, I need to take a break and recharge the batteries," said Hickersberger, who was in his second spell as coach after leading them to the 1990 World Cup finals but resigning later that year after a Euro '92 qualifier defeat by the Faroe Islands.

"The chapter is closed. My mission has been accomplished. I...