Matthäus quits Belgrade
Partizan Belgrade coach Lothar Matthäus has resigned for personal reasons, Serbia's state television reported on Saturday. "...after the match with Zeleznik, Matthäus submitted his resignation citing personal reasons. The decision is final," RTS quoted a Partizan statement as saying.
"We have unofficially learned that as of tomorrow (Sunday), Matthäus will become the coach of the Hungarian national team," RTS said.
The announcement came hours after Partizan beat Zeleznik 1-0 away in their last match before the winter break and follows their elimination from European competition after they finished bottom of their Champions League group on Tuesday.
The Beta news agency reported that Matthäus' decision was a shock to Partizan general manager Nenad Bjekovic who said nobody at the club had expected the former Germany international to resign.
Beta, quoting sources close to the club, said Matthäus was tearful when he told his team he was leaving.
Partizan's main board will hold a meeting on Sunday and a news conference is scheduled for Monday.
Earlier this week, Matthäus denied media reports he would leave Partizan during the winter break to sign a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow.
Matthäus took over as coach at the club in December 2002 and this year has been Serbian football's most successful for 12 seasons with Partizan qualifying for the Champions League.
Late last month Matthäus, one of the world's best players in the 1990s, married a Serbian businesswoman, reported to live and run a business in Budapest.
See ya Lotare Srbine
