Troussier is disappointed by the timing

Troussier's team suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Indonesia in their opening match of the competition.

"I was informed this morning by the Qatar Football Association that my services as head coach are no longer needed," said Troussier.

"I am bitterly disappointed and really surprised because I never thought I would stop at this stage after all the work I have put in for the Asian Cup."

The experienced Frenchman, who coached Japan at the last World Cup, said he had been dismissed after last weekend announcing he planned to step down as coach after the Asian Cup.

Indonesia 2-1 Qatar

Troussier said his comments last Saturday, where he told Arabic broadcast media that he would resign following the tournament, had been misinterpreted.

"I respect the QFA's decision but at the same time I regret this decision because I think it has been taken because of a misinterpretation of my words which concerned only what comes after the Asian Cup," he said.

Saeed Al-Mesned will now be in charge for Qatar's second game against Bahrain on Wednesday, a game the Gulf team must win to have any realistic chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.