Slovenian legend retiring as football coach

Slovenian football legend Srečko Katanec has resigned as manager of Uzbekistan's national team due to health issues, signalling he was likely retiring from coaching for good, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

"As far as my coaching career goes, I've finished. This was my decision ... I've spent my whole life taking care of others, giving myself away," Katanec, a former Yugoslav international and two-time Slovenia manager, told Sportklub.

The 61-year-old missed a training camp in Qatar and mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Uzbekistan, stating he could no longer fulfil his duties in his current condition.

Describing his health as manageable, he acknowledged ongoing challenges. "I'm not bedridden, but I'm not in the shape I'd like to be in," he said, leaving the door slightly open for potential future roles.

He did not discuss his condition in the interview with Sportklub, but media in Uzbekistan have reported that he has cancer.

Katanec, who mostly played as defensive midfielder, scored five goals in 31 games for the former Yugoslav national team between 1983 and 1990, and was a member of the team that won Olympic bronze in Los Angeles in 1984.

He also made five appearances for the Slovenian national team and was successful at international club level, which made him a member of the Slovenian Sports Heroes' Hall of Fame.

Katanec's illustrious career as coach includes guiding Slovenia to their first major tournament - the Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup.

He also managed North Macedonia, the UAE, Iraq and Uzbekistan, nearly securing the latter a direct 2026 World Cup berth before his abrupt departure.