Josef Hickersberger has resigned from his position as the coach of Austria just a day before the Austrian Football Federation was set to decide on his future.

Hickersberger, who has led the team since January 2006, informed Federation president Friedrich Stickler of his decision yesterday, citing tiredness as the main reason for his departure.

“I am empty and tired, I need a time off to recharge the batteries. Chapter closed, mission accomplished,” he told the Austrian newspaper Der Standard. His contract had been due to expire in December.

Hickersberger took charge of Austria’s disappointing Euro 2008 campaign, in which the co-hosts picked up a solitary point and scored only one goal, Ivica Vastic’s stoppage-time penalty which rescued a draw against Poland in their second game. They lost to Germany in their final game.