Following Pandev's Retirement, North Macedonian Coach Resigns

JAKARTA - North Macedonia head coach Igor Angelovski said he would resign following their exit from the Euro 2020 group stage. North Macedonia lost 0-3 to the Netherlands in their last match Monday night.

"This is my last press conference in this capacity because my contract with the Macedonian football federation expires on July 31 and I will no longer be the coach," Angelovski told a news conference.

"I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. I thank my staff, players and also my family for their support. It was an honor to lead this team to the European Cup."

Euro 2020 is the first major tournament that North Macedonia has reached as an independent nation since gaining independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. Angelovski is pleased with their efforts despite losing three in a row.

They were beaten 1-3 by Austria and then 1-2 by Ukraine in their first two Group C matches before being swallowed up by the Netherlands 0-3.

"We want to do even better but no one should be disappointed because it's our debut on the big stage and all I can do is thank the players for their efforts," Angelovski said.

The 45-year-old is following in the footsteps of captain Goran Pandev who turns 38 in July and plays his final game for North Macedonia after last weekend announcing his retirement from the national team.

Pandev was given a farewell at the Johan Cruyff Arena when the Dutch side gave him an orange shirt that symbolized the player's 122 appearances for his country, while his team-mates formed a guard of honor when he was substituted in the second half.

Respect. 1⃣2⃣2⃣👕 The Netherlands pay tribute to Goran Pandev before his 122nd and final international appearance.#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/b0RYySRklo

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021

Angelovski, whose first task was to bring Pandev back into the national team when he took charge of North Macedonia in 2015, praised the Genoa striker.

"This team made history by reaching Euro 2020 and we have to thank Pandev for everything he has done for Macedonian football," he said.

"It has been a privilege to have worked for five and a half years with a man and player who led by example and set high standards for future generations."