体坛英语新闻：Haan resigns as Albania coach

TIRANA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Dutchman Arie Haan has stepped down as Albania's national team coach, local media reported on Wednesday.

    A series of losses in the World Cup qualifiers has prompted his resignation, reports said.

    Albania lost 1-0 to Hungary last month and stays second from bottom in Group one which also includes Sweden, Denmark, Malta and Portugal.

    The 60-year-old Dutchman replaced Croatia's Otto Baric as Albania coach in December 2007. He had previously coached the Chinese and Cameroon teams before taking charge of Albania.

Albania's national soccer team head coach, Arie Haan, speaks during a news conference in Durres, some 40 km (25 miles) from Tirana in this March 26, 2009 file photo. Dutchman Arie Haan will stop coaching Albania national team, the soccer federation announced on Wednesday, saying both sides had agreed it was time for Haan to go because of the team poor show

    Albania's soccer federation has accepted his resignation, but hasn't decided who will replace him.