Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy announced his resignation shortly after his team’s 3-0 victory over Moldova, which secured their automatic qualification for Euro 2024.
In a post-match interview with Czech Television, the 62-year-old coach stated that despite their current happiness, the decision to step down had been made prior to the game.
“Even though we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue,” the 62-year-old coach told Czech Television.
Silhavy had been in charge since 2018 and guided the team to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020, but they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar last year.
Although the Czechs have now secured a place in next year’s Euros in Germany, Silhavy has faced criticism for the team’s lackluster performances in Group E, where they finished second behind Albania, winning only four out of eight games.
The Czech team faced additional difficulties due to a scandal last weekend. West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal and two other players were sent home after spending Saturday night at a nightclub.
“The pressure was enormous, beyond comprehension at times. It was one of the factors behind our decision,” said Silhavy.
Silhavy, a former defender himself, had his future questioned after the Czech team suffered a 3-0 defeat against Albania in October.
Although the Czech Football Association did not terminate his contract, they did reduce its duration until November 30. However, there is a possibility for Silhavy to continue as the coach if the Czech team qualifies for Euro 2024.
Saturday’s party was another blow to his reputation, as Coufal, Aris Thessaloniki defender Jakub Brabec, and Sparta Prague striker Jan Kuchta were captured in a nightclub just two days before the Moldova game.
The players have since apologized, but football experts have criticized the negative team environment and have placed blame on Silhavy.
The coach himself expressed his disappointment, especially since all three players were part of the starting lineup in the previous match against Poland.
“I won’t say whether I was successful or not,” Silhavy said on Monday.
“You can see we have done some work, we have been working here for more than five years and there’s nothing we should be ashamed of.”
He said he would travel to Germany as a fan.
“Germany is near (the Czech Republic). We will definitely go and cheer for the boys.”
