Austria coach Josef Hickersberger will keep his job despite a miserable run of results for the Euro 2008 co-hosts, the Austrian FA said yesterday. Hickersberger has been under fire from fans and the Austrian media after failing to win a match so far in 2007.

Already guaranteed a place at Euro 2008, along with neighbouring co-hosts Switzerland, the Austrians have played eight matches this year and lost three with five draws.

At a news conference in Vienna, Austrian FA president Friedrich Stickler said the association remained "100 per cent" behind Hickersberger.

"I trust that this confirmation will also mean the end of the debate over the head coach's position," he said.

Stickler said the coach had presented the board with a "profound, far-reaching analysis" of the team's current situation that was "not a pleasant read in all areas."

Hickersberger, who took over as head coach in January 2006, has placed an increasing emphasis on bringing young players into the national side.

"There is only one way forward for me, and that is to continue the process of rejuvenating the team," Hickersberger said.

"Now it is time for me to keep putting trust in the team, more trust than they currently have from the public."

Austria were booed at a friendly four-nation tournament this month, with fans calling for Hickersberger to go.

A survey published on the day of Austria's latest defeat at the hands of Chile, found that only 27 per cent of the country supported the national team.