Djoric struggling to carry on with Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia coach Milovan Djoric says he will quit if his side fail to reach the 2002 World Cup final play-offs but after last night's home defeat by Russia he is on borrowed time already.

Djoric's attempts to clear out influential older players and build a younger side has seen his acquire powerful enemies in the Yugoslav FA and the squad itself.

But he remains defiant in a statement released to the press today:

"I have a twin aim of creating an entirely new team and qualifying for the World Cup next year. I will resign only if we fail to clinch a play-off berth."

"We are in a very tight spot and direct qualification is no longer an option, but we can still finish as runners-up and clinch a playoff spot with a bit of luck."

Yugoslavia have five points from four matches. Russia top the group with 13 points from five matches, ahead of Switzerland with seven points and Slovenia with six from five matches.

"We must not and an will not lose the reverse fixture in Russia on June 2nd" Djoric said.

But his side were unable to impress against a Russian team who were happy to look for a draw after suffering the loss of seven influential players in the approach to the match with injuries and suspensions.

Djoric admitted after the defeat that there were players in his squad "trying to do his job" and players axed in his clear out remain powerfully influential.

The coach was questioned about the absence of Fiorentina striker Predrag Mijatovic from involvement in the Belgrade game and said the player refused to be a substitute.

Mijatovic moved to the Belgrade Hyatt Hilton hotel to watch the game on television and says he will not play again for the Yugoslavia team. Savo Milosevic pulled out minutes before the kick off with a sudden injury so the veteran had every chance of actually playing from the start.

"Mijatovic is the last person I expected to do something like that. I was deeply disappointed by his reaction " Djoric said.

Although Djoric intends to carry on there are already moves to dump him before his team face their Moscow destiny.