Czech Republic Coach Miroslav Koubek Quits After World Cup Group Stage Exit

PRAGUE (AP) — Miroslav Koubek stepped down as head coach of the Czech Republic on Monday, days after the team bowed out of the World Cup at the group stage.

Koubek and Czech Football Association president David Trunda said in a joint statement that both sides agreed on the move.

"The coach offered me his position at a personal meeting today, and I decided to accept his offer after an open and fair debate," Trunda said.

Koubek took responsibility for the team's poor run at the tournament. The Czechs lost to South Korea and Mexico and drew with South Africa, finishing last in Group A with one point.

The announcement caught many off guard. After returning from the World Cup, Koubek had said he intended to carry on in the role, and Pavel Nedvěd, general manager of Czech national teams, had indicated Koubek was still the right fit for the job.

Koubek pointed to negative press coverage as another reason for his departure. "A media campaign against me based on some half-truths and fabrications also contributed to my decision," he said. "In such an atmosphere, my work for the Czech national team would no longer make sense."

It remains unclear who will take over the post.

The 74-year-old Koubek was appointed in December on a contract running two and a half years. He led the Czech Republic to their first World Cup in 20 years, securing European playoff victories over Ireland and Denmark.

His resignation came just hours after the team's World Cup elimination, when leading forward Patrik Schick also announced his retirement from international football.