Coach offers his resignation as Czech’s 2014 qualification hopes end.
Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has offered to resign from his post following a 2-1 defeat to Italy on Tuesday that all but ended his side’s 2014 World Cup hopes.
Bilek’s side were stunned 2-1 at home by Group B minnows Armenia on Friday, making it three defeats from eight of their 10 games following a 3-0 rout at home against Denmark earlier in the campaign.
The Czechs now sit fourth in the group, 11 points Italy, who qualified on Tuesday, and four behind second-placed Bulgaria.
“I wanted to stay with the team as long as there was a chance to qualify for the World Cup but now there is virtually no chance so I have offered my resignation,” said Bilek.
The Czech Republic still have two away qualifiers against Malta and Bulgaria remaining and asked to elaborate on the statement, Bilek indicated his decision to resign may not be ratified.
“My resignation? It all depends on the president of the Czech football federation,” he added.
Bilek’s side were dominated for large periods but took a shock 19th minute lead thanks to Libor Kozak’s superb strike on the half-volley.
However Italy made up for a string of spurned scoring chances in the first half when Giorgio Chiellini headed home on 52 minutes and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli scored from the penalty spot two minutes later.
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