Slovenia's football team seeks new head coach
After seven years, Matjaž Kek will no longer be in charge of the national men's football team.
His latest coaching contract expired on 30 November right after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and he reached agreement with the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) not to extend it, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.
The association thanked Kek for his work and achievements, particularly for how the national team connected with fans during this period and, together with them, created an "unforgettable atmosphere" in stadiums at home and at the Euro in Germany.
The national team is not due to gather until March next year, which the NZS said would provide it with enough time to select a new head coach with due care and without time pressure.
Kek, 64, took charge of the national squad for his second spell almost exactly seven years ago, managing the team for 75 matches. His record stands at 32 wins, 26 draws, and 17 defeats.
The team's crowning achievement during this period was qualifying for the Euro 2024. Slovenia reached the knockout stage after drawing with Denmark, Serbia, and England in the group stage, eventually succumbing to Portugal in the Round of 16 only after a penalty shootout.
Most recently, Kek led the team in the qualifiers for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year. After six matches against Switzerland, Kosovo, and Sweden, Slovenia finished third in the group without a single victory and with four draws; the team's lack of potency was also a glaring issue, with only three goals scored.
During his first tenure between January 2007 and October 2011, Kek managed the team for another 49 matches, overseeing 20 wins, 20 defeats, and nine draws.
Kek also guided the national team to a major tournament during his first spell in charge - the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. There, the squad was on the brink of reaching the knockout stages but ultimately missed out on a place in the last 16 in the final minutes of the group stage.
Following the end of his playing career in 1999, Kek also made his mark in club football, successfully managing Croatia's Rijeka for five and a half years. He also served as head coach of Maribor during two separate spells and had a brief stint at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
