Crvena zvezda coach Dejan Stanković resigns after Champions League exit

Dejan Stanković has resigned as the head coach of Crvena zvezda following the club's elimination from the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. The Serbian champions suffered a 0-3 aggregate defeat against Israel's Hapoel Beer Sheva, including a 2-0 loss at home in Belgrade.

Stanković's departure was marked by tension, including a red card received during the match and reported friction with fans at the Marakana stadium. Following the defeat, the club's board held an emergency meeting to address the leadership vacuum.

Albert Riera, the former manager of Celje and Eintracht Frankfurt, has emerged as the primary candidate to succeed Stanković. Negotiations with Riera and his agent, Andy Bara, are reportedly in the final stages, with an official announcement expected by Friday. Crvena zvezda will now shift its focus to the Europa League playoffs against Viktoria Plzeň.