Rudi Voeller knew his time was up as Germany coach when he bravely led his beaten team towards their fans at Euro 2004.
It was a generous gesture, rewarded by supporters who had enjoyed two weeks of sunshine, beer and beachside fun with a crescendo of jeers and whistles.
Though thousands of fans clapped their players as they joined Voeller in the glare of the floodlights, the damage was done.
Voeller, at 44 the youngest coach at Euro 2004, knew he had taken the team as far as he could. He decided it was not worth putting up with what would inevitably follow in the two years leading up to the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
Only success gains the affection of fans and support of directors in modern international soccer, and the coaches pay the highest price of all.
Although Voeller said after the 2-1 defeat by the Czech Republic he had no intention of resigning, he clearly harboured other intentions. The following morning he announced his decision to quit.