Le Guen quits as Cameroon coach after exit

By Alexandra Hudson

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Cameroon's French coach Paul Le Guen has quit after his side's exit from the World Cup where they failed to earn a single point.

"My contract is coming up, and it was clear all along I would stop now. Maybe I didn't succeed in unifying the team and bringing the team together," Le Guen told reporters after a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands capped a miserable campaign that also included losses to Japan and Denmark.

"I will not point figures or accuse anyone. I thought I would have got better results with this match," he added.

The former Olympique Lyon and Rangers manager refused to comment on rumors he may coach Australia.

Australia's coach Pim Verbeek is stepping down with his team also eliminated from the 2010 World Cup in the group stage.

"I am at the end of this mission. It was planned to be this way. I am going to think about the future and we will see," Le Guen added.

Le Guen inspired a renaissance during Cameroon's World Cup qualifying campaign last year, restoring his coaching reputation.

At Rangers, he lasted just over six months after falling out with his captain and sparking protests by fans outside the ground but within weeks of his Scottish exit, Le Guen was back working at former club Paris St Germain, helping them to avoid relegation at the end of the 2006/2007 season.

But the club's fortunes did not improve much the season after and Le Guen needed police protection from militant fans angry at PSG's poor results. Despite reaching the French Cup final, and winning the League Cup, under Le Guen, PSG decided in May 2009 to let the coach go.

Le Guen signed a five-month contract with Cameroon in July 2009 and was tasked with turning around their stuttering qualifying campaign. He insisted on bringing in support staff and demanded the federation provide the squad with proper facilities, equipment and top-class accommodation.

He then signed a contract extension to see Cameroon through to the World Cup finals.

(Writing by Tom Pilcher in Johannesburg, Editing by Nigel Hunt)