The Football Association of Serbia (FSS): They thanked "Piksi" Stojković, Mirković will take charge in Andorra

Serbia was defeated by Albania (1–0) on Saturday evening in Leskovac, reducing their chances of qualifying for the World Cup. However, a victory in Andorra would still offer a lifeline.

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) accepted the resignation of head coach Dragan Stojković “Piksi,” meaning the national team will head to the match against Andorra without their previous coach.

Although it was initially announced that his first assistant Goran Djorović would take charge, this will not happen, as Stojković’s closest collaborators also left the team.

It was decided that Zoran “Bata” Mirković, the current coach of Serbia’s U21 team, will lead the squad in the upcoming match.

This is a temporary solution until a new head coach is appointed.

Veljko Paunović, recently dismissed from Oviedo, is mentioned as the main candidate for the permanent position.

Andorra and Serbia will face off on Tuesday at 8:45 p.m.

Serbia is currently third in Group K with seven points from five matches. Albania has 11 points from six games, while England tops the group with 15 points.

The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) commented on the situation, and their statement is reproduced in full without editorial changes:

"After our national team’s defeat against Albania in Leskovac, head coach Dragan Stojković offered his resignation and will not travel with the team to the World Cup qualifying match against Andorra.

The leadership of Serbia’s senior national team for the upcoming World Cup qualifier will be taken over by the coach of our U21 team, Zoran Mirković, who joined the national squad in Niš on Sunday morning, along with members of the coaching staff: Strahinja Pandurović, Lazar Tomić, Aleksandar Kirovski, Dejan Odavić and Bogdan Milićević.

Immediately after returning from Andorra, on Friday, October 19, the Executive Board of the Football Association of Serbia will convene and, in accordance with its authority and standard FSS procedures, will make all further decisions regarding changes at the head of the national team.

The Football Association of Serbia takes this opportunity to express gratitude to Dragan Stojković for everything he has accomplished over the past four and a half years at the helm of the national team, particularly for securing qualification for the World Cup and European Championship, winning first place in the League of Nations B Division, and maintaining Serbia’s status among the elite of European football," the statement reads.