Austria coach Hickersberger quits

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger has quit after the co-hosts' disappointing showing at the European Championship.

Austria bowed out in the group stages and Hickersberger has decided to call time on his second spell in charge.

"I am empty and tired. I need some time off, must recharge the batteries. Chapter closed, mission accomplished," Hickersberger told an Austrian website.

Hickersberger's contract was not due to expire for another six months, but he won only five of 27 matches in charge.

Austria managed one draw from their three games and finished third in Group B.

"We played very well, even sensationally some of the time, but we didn't reach the quarterfinals and didn't accomplish our common goal," Hickersberger said.

"I'm sorry and I've drawn the consequences from it."

Hickersberger's contract was due to expire in December.

The team starts its World Cup qualifying campaign against France in Vienna on 6 September.

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