Challandes quits Armenia helm after another loss
Monday, March 30, 2015
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Bernard Challandes has stood down as Armenia coach after Sunday's dramatic 2-1 defeat in Albania left his side bottom of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group I.
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Bernard Challandes has stepped down as Armenia coach following Sunday's dramatic 2-1 reverse in Albania, a result that left his team bottom of UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group I.
"One point from four qualifiers is obviously unsatisfactory, regardless of the problems we have had with the squad," said the 63-year-old Swiss trainer. "I am not making excuses. We had a challenge to qualify from this group. The challenge has not been met so I quit."
Armenia enjoyed a fine start in Elbasan at the weekend, going ahead early, but Hovhannes Hambartsumyan's sending-off, followed by two Albania goals in the last 14 minutes, turned the game on its head. "I am disappointed with the results, but want to thank all the people who helped me during my time with the side," Challandes added. "Armenia have great potential and I hope they qualify for the World Cup or EURO one day."
Former BSC Young Boys, Switzerland Under-21, FC Zürich and FC Thun boss Challandes took the Armenia hot seat last year and managed a solitary victory in nine outings, losing seven times.