Cyprus national team parts ways with coach after heavy loss to Kosovo

The Cyprus national soccer team has parted ways with coach Temur Ketsbaia following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Kosovo in the UEFA Nations League. This loss marked a significant low point for the team, which has struggled under Ketsbaia's leadership, dropping 20 places to rank No. 127 by FIFA during his tenure. The team had previously failed to secure a win in any of their eight matches in the European Championship qualifying group, which included strong teams like Spain and Scotland. Ketsbaia, a former player for clubs such as Newcastle and Wolverhampton, had been in charge of the Cyprus national team for three years. His coaching career included a five-year stint with Georgia and roles at various Cypriot clubs, but his time with the national team has been marred by poor performance. The federation's decision to terminate his contract reflects the urgent need for a change in direction as the team prepares for upcoming matches. The Cyprus soccer federation has not yet announced an interim coach to lead the team in their next Nations League games against Romania and Kosovo. This lack of immediate leadership raises questions about the team's preparation and strategy moving forward. The decision to part ways with Ketsbaia underscores the challenges faced by the Cyprus national team in recent years, as they seek to improve their standing in international soccer and regain competitiveness on the European stage.