Czech coach Silhavy resigns due to criticism

PRAGUE – Jaroslav Silhavy has stepped down as Czech Republic coach after guiding the team to the Euro 2024 final, saying he decided to step down because of the “anger and aggression” shown towards him by critics and fans. Have done.

Silhawi took charge of the national team in 2018 after it failed to qualify for the World Cup.

The 62-year-old, who has guided the Czech team to two European Championship tournaments, said he does not understand the barrage of criticism when the team fails to win matches, leading to speculation that he will be banned by the country’s FA. The contract cannot be renewed. ,

“Sometimes I don’t understand why there is anger and aggression (toward me),” news website iDnes.cz quoted Silhawi as saying on Tuesday.

Silhavy made 465 top-flight appearances during his playing career, winning domestic leagues with Slovan Liberec and Slavia Prague as manager, and being an assistant to the national team from 2001 to 2009.

His departure followed the team’s 3-0 win over 10-man Moldova on Monday, which secured them a place at Euro 2024.

The Czechs played without West Ham fullback Vladimir Kofal, central defender Jakub Brabek and forward Jan Kuchta, who were sent home for breaching team rules after being photographed in a nightclub before the match.

Silhavy said the players’ actions – which included a 1-1 draw with Poland on Friday – had disappointed him and helped confirm his decision to step down.

“I don’t think people did this to get me to step down,” Silhawi said. “The judgment was growing inside me and it certainly didn’t help.”

He added, “When the whole stadium celebrates with you, it’s always beautiful. We are not missing the Euros again and I am confident that we will be successful there. Just without our coaches.” reuters