Qatar have fired coach Bruno Metsu because of the team’s Asian Cup quarter-final loss to Japan.
Metsu has struggled since replacing Uruguayan coach Jorge Fossati in 2008. The team failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup and last year fell in the quarter-final stage at the Gulf Cup.
“We thank him for his efforts. But we feel this is a time to move on so we mutually agreed to end the contract,” Qatar Football Association President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani said.
Metsu said it was difficult to build a team with so few prospects in a tiny country of 1.6 million.
“It is not easy to build a strong team when there is a small player base in the country,” Metsu said. “But Qatar football is looking better because they now have a 12-team league and that means more players and improved infrastructure of football in the country.”
Before taking over the Qatar national team, Metsu coached in the country’s professional football league.
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