By the decision of Osijek president Ivan Meštrović, Zoran Zekić is no longer the coach of Croatian first league team NK Osijek, announced the club, and officially confirmed that the resignation of the former strategist, who submitted his mandate after Osijek drew 2: 2 with Gorica, was accepted, reports HRT on March 29, 2019.
“I did not see the president, but I’ll give him my mandate and let him decide further. In three and a half years, the pressure of the club is constant; whatever you do is not good enough. I think that no one else believes in me anymore and it is difficult to bear,” Zekić said immediately after the game, adding that if he accepted his resignation, he would be the most faithful fan of Osijek.
Unofficial reports claim that Osijek’s first team will be taken over by Dino Skender, former coach of the Osijek B team.
Zekić has been the coach of Osijek for the past three and a half years, and during that time, Osijek played in the Europa League qualifiers twice. In the Croatian First League, Osijek has not won for the past five games and hold third place in the rankings, with only three points more than the fifth-placed Hajduk.
Zekić took over the club on September 1, 2015, after the departure of Dražen Besek, and also trained Moldovan club Sheriff in his career.
Osijek thanked the coach on their official website.
“Zoran, thank you for the two beautiful European summers we had under your guidance.
Zoran, thank you for all the greatest victories we have achieved.
Zoran, thank you for giving all of yourself to the club for the past three and a half years.
Zoran, thank you for your loyalty to the club and the fans.
Zoran, thank you for being a gentleman on the field and beyond.
Zoran, thank you for belonging to the White and Blue Movement, which is the indispensable part.
Zoran, thank you for the many beautiful moments we’ve been through together.
Dear Zoran, once again, we thank you for everything we have gone through together and wish you much luck and success in your future work and further training career.”
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