November 22 – Jaroslav Silhavy has quit as coach of the Czech Republic despite guiding them to the Euro 2024 finals, saying he made the decision due to the “anger and aggression” shown towards him by critics and fans.
Silhavy took charge of the national team in 2018 after they failed to qualify for the World Cup.
But having now guided them to two European Championship tournaments, the 62-year-old said he could not understand the barrage of criticism that comes his way whenever the team fails to win.
“Sometimes I don’t understand why, the anger and aggression is directed towards me,” Silhavy was quoted as saying.
His departure follows the team’s 3-0 win over 10-man Moldova on Monday, which secured them a berth in Germany next summer.
The Czechs played without Vladimir Coufal, Jakub Brabec and Jan Kuchta, who were sent home for violating team rules after being photographed in a nightclub before the match.
Silhavy said the actions of the players – who had all featured in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland – disappointed him and helped confirm his decision to quit.
“I don’t think the guys did it for me to quit,” Silhavy said. “The decision had been growing in me but this certainly didn’t help.”
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